A 67-year-old woman passed away on an easyJet flight traveling from Tenerife, Spain to England, as other passengers attempted to save her life for nearly an hour, according to reports.
The event took place on March 25, 2025, when the woman experienced a suspected cardiac arrest shortly after the plane departed from the Canary Islands en route to Liverpool John Lennon Airport in England.
Three passengers, including a nurse and a physiotherapist, responded immediately when the woman collapsed. They took turns performing CPR on her for about 50 minutes as the flight was redirected to northern Spain.
“We tried everything to keep her alive,” said one of the passengers involved in the rescue effort, who asked to remain anonymous. He was traveling with his family at the time of the emergency.
Despite their efforts, the woman, who was accompanied by her husband, died before the aircraft could land at Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport in northern Spain, where paramedics were waiting.
The passenger who assisted with CPR described how he left his seat when the pilot and crew asked for help. The airline staff provided an oxygen tank and defibrillator while he and the other passengers worked to save her.
“I spoke to her husband afterwards and just said I’m so sorry,” the passenger told the Liverpool Echo. “We tried our best, but she died onboard the plane.”
The incident occurred at approximately 35,000 feet. After landing in Spain, police and paramedics boarded the plane.
Other passengers praised the efforts of those who tried to save the woman’s life. A fellow traveler described their actions as “exemplary” in local reports.
The remaining passengers were provided with overnight accommodations in Spain before continuing to Liverpool the next day.
EasyJet, based in the United Kingdom, confirmed the incident to news outlets, issuing a statement offering condolences and emphasizing its focus on safety. The airline stated it remains in contact with the family and is providing support during this difficult time. EasyJet is cooperating with the authorities and has not disclosed details about the passenger’s medical history or the circumstances leading to her cardiac arrest.
This is not the first time an easyJet flight has experienced a medical emergency requiring diversion. In February 2023, an easyJet flight from Hurghada, Egypt to Manchester, England was diverted after the pilot had a medical issue. The co-pilot rerouted the plane to Athens, Greece.
Medical emergencies on flights are not uncommon, though fatalities are rare. Airlines equip planes with basic medical supplies like first aid kits, oxygen, and automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Crew receive training in first aid and emergency procedures.
When such emergencies occur at 35,000 feet, flight crews may ask if any medical professionals are aboard to assist. In this case, the presence of a nurse and physiotherapist provided critical help.
Despite having medical equipment and trained passengers, the woman’s condition was too severe. The decision to divert followed standard protocols for serious medical issues.
The incident underscores the difficulties of managing critical medical emergencies in an aircraft, even with timely response and medical intervention. While airlines prepare for these situations, some events, like cardiac arrests, are challenging to handle outside of hospitals.
