Deceased Passenger Left in Heated Galley for 13 Hours on British Airways Flight BA32 to London

A woman's body was kept in a heated galley for over 13 hours on a British Airways flight, leading to passenger complaints about a bad smell. This is longer than usual.
By Newsroom | Travel, Aviation |

OVER 13 HOURS AMIDST PASSENGER COMPLAINTS OF ODOR

A deceased passenger, a woman in her 60s, was reportedly kept in a heated galley for over 13 hours on a British Airways flight from Hong Kong to London. Fellow passengers complained of a "foul smell" during the extended journey.

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The incident unfolded on British Airways flight BA32, a long-haul service. The passenger passed away approximately 30 minutes to an hour after takeoff. Instead of diverting the flight, the crew made the decision to continue the journey to Heathrow Airport.

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"We are supporting our crew and all procedures were correctly followed." - British Airways Spokesperson

Upon discovering the death, flight attendants worked to "isolate" the body, wrapping it in materials before moving it to a galley at the rear of the aircraft. Cockpit staff had initially considered using a lavatory for temporary storage, but this option was reportedly rejected by the cabin crew. Some reports suggest that the galley involved had underfloor heating, which may have contributed to the odor.

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The decision to continue the flight, rather than divert, has drawn attention. Airline guidelines, such as those from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), suggest protocols for handling in-flight deaths, often involving body bags or blankets. However, a confirmed death is not always classified as an emergency requiring an immediate diversion, particularly when no further medical intervention is possible.

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The flight, carrying 331 passengers, continued its approximately 13.5-hour journey. Upon arrival at Heathrow, police met the aircraft, and passengers were asked to remain seated for roughly 45 minutes while the death was investigated. The airline stated it is supporting its crew, and some crew members have reportedly taken time off work due to trauma from the event.

This situation has also sparked discussions about the procedures for handling deaths on commercial flights and the challenges airlines face in balancing protocols with the well-being of passengers and crew.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was a deceased passenger left in a heated galley on British Airways flight BA32 from Hong Kong to London?
A woman died on the flight, and the crew decided to keep her body in a galley for the remaining 13.5 hours instead of diverting. They wrapped the body and placed it in the galley. Some reports say the galley had underfloor heating.
Q: Did passengers complain about the body being kept in the galley on flight BA32?
Yes, passengers on the flight complained about a 'foul smell' during the journey. The body was in the galley for over 13 hours, and the heated compartment may have made the smell worse.
Q: What did British Airways say about the incident on flight BA32?
British Airways stated they are supporting their crew and that all procedures were followed correctly. Some crew members have taken time off due to trauma from the event.
Q: What happens when a passenger dies on a flight?
Airlines have procedures for handling deaths, often using body bags or blankets. A confirmed death is not always an emergency requiring an immediate flight diversion if no more medical help can be given.
Q: What happened when British Airways flight BA32 landed at Heathrow?
When the flight landed at Heathrow, police met the aircraft. Passengers were asked to stay seated for about 45 minutes while the death was investigated by authorities.