A KLM flight from Amsterdam to Manchester had a dramatic turn of events when a passenger died on board and the crew decided to return the body to its home country. The incident happened on December 7, 2023, when KLM Flight 588 took off from Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport (AMS) and headed towards Manchester's John F. Kennedy International Airport (MAN).
.gif)
According to a statement from KLM, the passenger who passed away was a Dutch national in his 60s who was traveling alone. He was found unresponsive in his seat by the cabin crew after the plane had reached cruising altitude. The crew immediately contacted the emergency services and declared a medical emergency. The plane then diverted to Manchester Airport, where the passenger was pronounced dead by paramedics. The crew also contacted the Dutch authorities and informed them of the situation. The passenger's body was taken off the plane and transferred to a coroner's office for further examination.
The plane then resumed its flight to Amsterdam, where it landed safely at AMS around 10:30 am local time. The passengers were offered counseling and assistance by KLM staff, as well as refunds or rebooking options for their tickets. KLM said that it was deeply saddened by the loss of life and expressed its condolences to the passenger's family and friends. It also said that it followed all safety protocols and procedures during the incident and that it had no prior knowledge of any health issues or complaints from the passenger. The cause of death is still under investigation by both Dutch and British authorities. No other passengers or crew members were affected by the incident.
This is not the first time that a passenger has died on board a KLM flight. In June 2023, another KLM flight from Lagos to Amsterdam had an unexpected delivery when one of its passengers gave birth mid-air. The baby was born in one of the aircraft's galleys with the help of cabin crew and medical staff at Barcelona airport. Both mother and newborn were safe. KLM is one of Europe's largest airlines, operating over 1,000 flights per week to more than 100 destinations worldwide. It is known for its high-quality service, innovative products, and environmental sustainability. It also has a strong commitment to safety and security, as well as customer satisfaction.
