Easyjet tragedy as man dies mid-air at 30,000 feet on board flight to Gatwick from Cyprus

A man in his 50s died onboard an EasyJet flight from Cyprus to London Gatwick Airport this afternoon. Passengers grew concerned when a dark-haired traveller, who appeared to be on his own, wasn't waking up.

Urgent attempts to resuscitate the passenger using a defibrillator proved unsuccessful.

The EZY8454 flight left Paphos Airport at around 2.20pm local time and concerns were raised about the man's health around an hour and a half into the journey.

Cabin crew at EasyJet asked if there was a doctor or paramedic on board the flight but no one was able to offer more than the crew's first aid capabilities, the Daily Star reported.

As the plane passed over Paris at around 4.30pm, the captain confirmed there had been a "medical incident" on board and asked passengers to treat the dead man with dignity. 

Easyjet© Getty

Passengers were held when they landed at Gatwick while paramedics boarded the plane and pronounced the man dead.

An anonymous passenger praised the way in which the EasyJet crew dealt with the incident, telling the Daily Star: "The team handled the situation with extraordinary composure and professionalism."

A spokesperson for EasyJet said: "EasyJet can confirm that sadly a passenger died onboard flight EZY8454 from Paphos to London Gatwick on 17 November. The well-being of our passengers and crew is always easyJet's highest priority. Our crew are trained to respond to medical issues and did all possible during the flight. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the customer and we are offering support and assistance at this difficult time."

Flight EZY8454 was largely full with holidaymakers, carrying them home from some winter sun in 24C Paphos.

It set off from the Greek island at 2.20pm local time (12.20pm GMT) and fear for the man's welfare was sparked at around 3.40pm GMT.

EasyJet cabin crew calmly but loudly asked across the plane whether anyone on the flight was a certified doctor or paramedic.

Two people hesitantly raised their hands to offer their help but unfortunately neither were able to offer more than the crew's first aid capabilities.

When a passenger who claimed to be a nurse asked if he was still breathing, a visibly trembling air steward understandably told him: "We can't say anything sir."

After a man crammed in by the window seat beside the passenger was helped out to find a new seat, a defibrillator was brought out in a bid to resuscitate him.

A cabin crew member offered nearby passengers the opportunity to move seats.

Once his condition was confirmed, crew proficiently set about searching for the tragic passenger's luggage.

Passengers were held on landing at Gatwick for paramedics to board and pronounce the passenger's death. 

Reference: Daily Express: Story by Cally Brooks