What Happens When Someone Dies on a Plane?

Whether you're a frequent flyer, airline staff, or just curious about aviation protocols, this blog provides an insightful look into an event few talk about but airlines must be ready for. Before we get into the dos and don'ts of a situation like this, we must stress that it happens on a very rare occasion. However, when it does happen, we would like to ensure you are prepared. Although cabin crew fear these situations, they are medically trained and know what they are doing when something like this occurs.

Did you know that the most common types of medical emergencies that occur include heart troubles, nausea, respiratory problems and fainting? Out of these medical emergencies, it rarely ends in death.

How Common are Mid-Flight Deaths?

Mid-flight deaths are rare but not unheard of. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates that medical emergencies occur in about 1 in 600 flights, but only 0.3% to 0.5% of those result in death. This means that while medical incidents on planes are somewhat common, actual deaths are extremely rare.

The likelihood of a death occurring on a commercial flight depends on several factors, such as older travellers or those with pre-existing conditions may be at higher risk, being sat down for a long time on long-haul flights increases the chances of a serious medical event and whether or not there is a medical professional on board.

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It's not uncommon for in-flight fatalities to be unexpected. When a terminally ill patient wishes to visit a country for the last time – usually to see family – airlines allow them onboard as a humanitarian gesture, even though the low oxygen environment of a pressurised cabin might cause distress. However, the airline can still deny you to fly if you are too unwell and may put yourself or others at risk.

The chances of encountering a death mid-flight are higher for crew members working on wide-body aircraft operating long-haul routes. With more passengers on board and fewer opportunities for emergency landings, the risks increase—especially as extended periods of sitting in a pressurized cabin can contribute to serious health issues. A death on board is statistically more likely than a birth. However, protocols for handling life-threatening medical emergencies or fatalities vary by airline.

What do Cabin Crew do When a Medical Emergency Turns Fatal?

There are certain steps cabin crew have to take when there is a medical emergency onboard. The first thing they check is if the passenger needs CPR and attempt to revive them if possible. While cabin crew are trained in basic medical procedures, they may seek assistance from any medical professionals on board if available. The next important thing for the cabin crew to do is to inform the captain immediately of the medical emergency.

After the crew has checked for signs of life and the passenger is pronounced dead they will then need to handle the situation with sensitivity and respect by moving the body to a less visible area like an empty row, covering it with a blanket, securing it with a seatbelt.

Unfortunately, there isn't much else cabin crew or passengers can do in this situation as most airlines do not divert a flight solely due to a passenger's death unless there are exceptional circumstances. Due to not being able to save the passenger or divert the plane, the cabin crew will attend to the emotional needs of passengers who may be distressed by the situation. 

How Airlines Determine Whether to Continue to the Destination or Divert

When something like this occurs, the cabin crew and pilots will need to assess the situation and decide whether to continue to the scheduled destination or divert to the nearest airport. This decision is based on several key factors when a passenger dies mid-flight and the airline typically develops their procedures in compliance with international aviation regulations and guidelines.

Medical Confirmation of Death

So you might be wondering 'What are the key factors airlines consider in a situation like this'. The first one is medical confirmation of death which is when a passenger is unresponsive and flight attendants follow medical emergency protocols. This includes administering CPR and using onboard medical equipment such as an automated external defibrillator. If a doctor or medical professional is on board the flight, they may assist in assessing the passenger’s condition. However, only a qualified medical authority on the ground can legally declare a passenger deceased.

Consultation with Ground-Based Medical Experts

MedAire or Stat-MD is what airlines use to communicate and get real-time guidance on medical emergencies. These experts advise the crew on board whether emergency medical attention is needed, helping the captain decide if a diversion is necessary.

Distance to the Nearest Airport vs. Destination

There are many things to consider when there is a medical emergency on board a flight such as if it's necessary to land or to carry on to the final destination. The captain will have to see if the flight is closer to its destination than to a suitable diversion airport, and the airline may choose to continue. If an emergency landing can provide faster access to medical or mortuary services, the flight may be diverted.

Logistical Considerations

Another subject to think about is that diversions require careful fuel calculations and air traffic coordination therefore, diverting the plane might not be an option due to low fuel or other scheduled flights. The crew will also need to be informed whether or not an alternative airport is equipped to handle the medical emergency and process the deceased passenger.

Do's and Don'ts When There Has Been an Onboard Death

Experiencing a death mid-flight can be distressing for both passengers and crew. Airlines have protocols in place to manage the situation, but if you ever find yourself on a flight where this happens, here are some key do’s and don’ts to keep in mind.

✅ Stay calm & follow crew instructions

✅ Offer assistance if qualified

✅ Be patient if there’s a delay or diversion

🚫 Don’t panic or create unnecessary alarm

🚫 Allow crew to help the passenger in need

🚫 Don’t make demands about the flight’s schedule

What Happens When the Plane Lands?

Upon landing, all passengers disembark first, except for the deceased and their travel companion(s). This allows medical professionals, airport officials, and relevant authorities to step in and manage the situation appropriately. Above all, ensuring the dignity of the deceased and showing compassion remain the top priorities.

Regarding the other passengers on board, they will either land at the expected destination or have a schedule change to their flight and the airline will inform them of the next steps and perhaps offer compensation.

Passengers will need to contact the airline directly in this situation. The airline can assist with rebooking onto an alternative flight. Additionally, it's a good idea to review your travel insurance policy to see if you're eligible to make a claim.

Tips for Nervous Flyers

If you're a nervous flyer or simply don’t enjoy air travel, reading informative pages like this can help ease your concerns by giving you a better understanding of the topic. Did you know that one of the biggest fears in the world is Aerophobia (the fear of flying)?

If you have anxiety regarding travelling on planes then there are lots of things that can help such as speaking to a doctor, avoiding caffeine and alcohol or doing an activity you enjoy to take your mind off the flight.

At Alternative Airlines, we ticket over 600 airlines worldwide, giving you plenty of options to choose from, when looking for the best airlines for nervous flyers.