While extremely rare, there are protocols in place for when a passenger passes away during a flight. Airlines around the world, including major Gulf carriers like Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Saudia, and Gulf Air train their crews to handle these sensitive situations with professionalism and compassion.

This guide explains what happens, as well as the rights of passengers, and what travel agencies can do to support their clients. 

How are airline staff trained for in-flight deaths

Airline crews are extensively trained to deal with medical emergencies, including the possibility of a death on board. Flight attendants undergo rigorous instruction in first aid and emergency procedures, for example, Gulf Air cabin crew take an intensive eight-week program covering first aid, safety, and emergency scenarios.

If a passenger (or in some cases staff) appear gravely ill or unresponsive, crew members will take action immediately, by: 

• Attempting resuscitation: Cabin crew are trained in CPR. 
• Calling for medical assistance: It’s standard practice to ask if there are any doctors, nurses or medically trained passengers onboard that could volunteer to help. 
• Notifying the captain: If the passenger is unresponsive and presumed to have passed, crew will inform the cockpit. The captain will alert authorities at the destination, or nearest airport so officials can meet the aircraft upon landing. 

Deciding to divert or continue

The captain will decide whether to divert the flight for an emergency landing or continue to the planned destination, depending on the situation. If there’s any chance to save a life, an unscheduled landing at the nearest airport is likely. For example, when a passenger suffered a medical emergency on an Etihad flight in 2016, the flight diverted so she could receive urgent care. 

However, if it’s clear that the person has passed away and there is no urgency for medical intervention, the crew may continue to the destination to avoid further disruption 

Handling a deceased person’s body during the flight

If a passenger is declared dead (or presumed dead) mid-flight, the crew’s focus shifts to handling the body with dignity while minimising impact on other passengers. Airlines have clear protocols for this scenario, often based on industry guidelines like those from IATA (International Air Transport Association). Steps typically include:

Moving the body 

The crew will discreetly move the deceased to an area of the plane with as few nearby passengers as possible. If there are empty rows or a curtained-off crew rest or dedicated area, they may use those for privacy.

In case of a full flight with no spare space, the deceased may be placed back in their original seat as a last resort. For example, on a Qatar Airways flight in 2023, when a passenger could not be resuscitated, crew asked nearby passengers to relocate and then secured the deceased in her seat, covering her with a blanket. A crew member stayed seated next to her for the remainder of the flight, as a sign of respect and to tend to the situation.

Use of restraints and covering 

Once the body is positioned, the seat belt is fastened to keep them stable, and the eyes may be gently closed. If the airline carries special body bags on board, the body may be placed in a bag (up to the neck, to leave the face uncovered). Many airlines do stock body bags in their emergency medical kits for this rare eventuality. If no body bag is available or used, crew will cover the person with a blanket up to the neck 

Avoiding obstruction

The body will be positioned so that it is not blocking any aisles or exits. This is both out of respect and for safety. In practice, on larger aircraft, an empty row in business or first class might be used if available, since it offers more space and privacy.

In one Gulf Air incident, a critically ill passenger who later passed, was moved from economy to the business-class cabin where the crew could administer oxygen and CPR, illustrating how crew will use any available space to better handle the situation

The most common myth

Despite some urban legends, crew generally will not place a deceased person in an airplane bathroom. Not only is it undignified, it’s also unsafe, the space is too small and lacks seat belts to secure the individual 

Throughout, the crew will strive to handle the remains as sensitively and quietly as possible. They often try to shield the process from other passengers to prevent panic or upset. Cabin crew may also keep checking on the deceased (even though they’re beyond help) as a form of respect.

As mentioned, it’s not unheard of for a flight attendant to sit nearby and watch over the body until landing. They will also collect information from any travel companions (for notifying next of kin) and prepare any required paperwork for when the flight lands.

Passenger rights and airline obligations

From a passenger’s perspective, an in-flight death can raise questions about rights, delays, or compensation. It’s important to understand that an unexpected medical emergency (including a death) is usually considered an extraordinary circumstance beyond the airline’s control. Here’s what that means for passengers and the airline’s responsibilities:

Diversion and delays

If the flight is diverted to deal with the medical emergency, the airline will typically do its best to get all passengers to their final destination as soon as possible once the situation is handled. 

For example, when Etihad diverted a flight to Moscow due to a passenger’s death, the airline ensured all remaining passengers were placed on the next available flights to continue their journey to Chicago. Airlines will rebook connections as needed or may resume the flight after the unscheduled stop once authorities have dealt with the incident. You do not lose your ticket in these cases, the carrier must still transport you to your destination (just on a later schedule).

Compensation

As a medical emergency is not the airline’s fault, passengers aren’t generally entitled to the standard EU or US compensations that would apply to controllable delays (like maintenance issues). In fact, European Union regulations specifically exempt airlines from paying compensation for delays/cancellations caused by “extraordinary circumstances” such as a sudden passenger illness or death.  

Airline support and goodwill 

Airlines often extend courtesy gestures to passengers who were directly affected by a traumatic incident such as a death mid-flight. This could include things like meal vouchers, a partial refund, or frequent-flyer miles, though this is not guaranteed.

Rights of travelling companions

If you are travelling with a person who dies in flight (for instance, a family member), the airline will take steps to assist you. Airlines commonly waive fees or restrictions for those in your party to change their travel plans. In fact, most airlines’ conditions of carriage explicitly say that in the event a passenger dies en route, any companions can have their tickets changed as needed without penalty (for example, waiving minimum-stay requirements or change fees) 

What happens once you land

Once the flight lands, the situation is handed over to airport medical authorities and local law enforcement. The airline’s responsibility at that point is to coordinate with those authorities. However, many airlines go further to support the family of the deceased. It’s not uncommon for the airline to have a local station manager or representative meet with the family (if they are present at the airport) or to reach out to the next of kin.

For example, after landing, the airline will often help arrange repatriation of the remains (transporting the body to the person’s home or preferred location) and guide the family through the process. Some airlines have also offered counselling services or will cover accommodation for family members who have to unexpectedly travel due to the incident 

How passengers can help and assist

Stay calm and follow crew instructions

The cabin crew are trained for this scenario, so it’s crucial to follow their lead. You might be asked to change seats or stay seated at certain times.

For example, if you were next to the ill passenger, the crew may relocate you to another seat to give space for medical treatment or to move the body. Cooperate fully and quickly, your compliance helps maintain privacy and order

Offer help if you have relevant skills

If you are a doctor, nurse, or have medical training, volunteer when the call goes out. Your expertise could be invaluable in attempting resuscitation or assessing the passenger. Otherwise, it’s usually best not to interfere with the emergency response unless specifically asked (too many people crowding can make it harder for crew and any volunteering medics to work).

Be respectful and empathetic

Remember that a person has just lost their life, possibly in the presence of family or friends. Be mindful and respectful. This means avoiding any inappropriate behaviour like taking photos or videos of the incident. 

A death on board can lead to delays (due to a diversion or waiting for authorities at the gate). This can be frustrating, but remember that this is an extraordinary situation. Try to adopt an attitude of patience and empathy. The airline usually will acknowledge the inconvenience

Take some time for yourself

It’s natural to feel unsettled or anxious after experiencing an in-flight death. Once things are under control, do what you need to calm yourself, whether that’s talking quietly with a travel companion about it, doing some breathing exercises, or praying/reflecting in silence.

Upon landing, if you find the event has really affected you, consider reaching out to the airline for support. Airlines sometimes have customer care follow-up for incidents. 

What can travel agents do?

Travel agents and operators can be an important source of support in the aftermath of an in-flight death or any death abroad. Here are a few ways a travel operator can help travellers in these unfortunate events:

• Immediate liaison with airlines: Act as a go-between with the airline to handle refunds, rebooking tickets, or the procedures for waiving fees and getting refunds due to a passenger’s death. 
• Rearranging accommodation/logistics: If an unexpected diversion or layover occurs due to an emergency landing, agents can use their 24/7 contacts to organise accommodation and new flights. 
• Repatriation and local assistance: In the tragic event a traveller dies, their remains may need to be transported back home (a process called repatriation of remains). Operators can guide the family or travelling companions on what steps to take. You might coordinate with international funeral service providers or provide contacts for local embassies/consulates.
• Insurance claims and support: Liaising with insurance if travel insurance was purchased can save a lot of time and stress for travellers.  

GCC airlines don’t significantly differ from international carriers in how they handle a death in flight. All airlines treat it as a serious medical emergency, follow similar steps to care for the passenger and protect others, and then deal with authorities on the ground. While it’s not a common occurrence, you can be assured airlines are trained to handle these situations.