Abuja–US flight death: family asks questions as regulator engages airline
- pideh2
- 13 hours ago
- 3 min read
A Nigerian family is asking for answers after their mother died onboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight travelling from Abuja to Washington, D.C., a case that has triggered a public outcry online and drawn the attention of aviation regulators.
What we know so far
According to reporting by The Punch, the family (who asked not to be named in the article) said their mother boarded the airline on January 19, 2026 and later died inside the aircraft under circumstances they say remain unclear. The family shared a video appeal on social media asking fellow passengers on the same flight (ET 950) to come forward with any details about what happened before the death.
The report adds that the family claims they repeatedly contacted the airline for clarification and were not satisfied with the responses received.
What Nigeria’s aviation regulator is saying
In the same report, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority spokesperson Michael Achimugu confirmed the agency is aware of the incident and is engaging both the family and the airline. He said the airline has submitted its report, and the regulator is awaiting additional reports from the family as it works toward “full closure.”
As of the time The Punch published its story, it also reported that it had contacted an airline communications representative who said he would revert but had not done so by press time.
Why this matters for Abuja travelers and the diaspora
Abuja is a major departure point for Nigerians travelling to North America, and cases like this raise hard—but necessary—questions about transparency, documentation, passenger support, and family liaison when medical emergencies happen in the air.
Even when a death is due to natural causes, families typically expect:
A clear explanation of what was observed, what assistance was provided, and what documentation exists
A defined point of contact for next steps (authorities, medical examiner processes, repatriation guidance)
Respectful handling of the situation for companions and passengers who may have witnessed the emergency
What usually happens when there’s a death onboard a flight
While every airline has its own procedures and local laws apply at the destination, industry guidance helps explain the basics.
International Air Transport Association guidance (issued in 2018) outlines:
Cabin crew should continue CPR until breathing/circulation resumes, it becomes unsafe, responders are exhausted, care is transferred after landing, or the person is presumed dead after prolonged resuscitation with no signs of life and no AED shock advised.
After death is declared/presumed, suggested steps include informing the captain, positioning the person as discreetly as possible (where feasible), using a body bag if available, securing with a seat belt, covering respectfully, and coordinating disembarkation so authorities can attend properly on arrival.
Travel reporting on this topic also notes that in-flight deaths are rare, and protocols can vary, including whether a flight diverts and how the cabin is managed.
What to watch for next in this case
For AbujaCity readers, the most important next developments to follow are:
An official outcome or update from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority on what its review finds (including whether any compliance issues are identified).
A formal statement from Ethiopian Airlines addressing the family’s concerns and clarifying its documented timeline of events.
Any updates on medical/authority findings at the destination (where applicable), since cause-of-death determinations typically come from competent medical authorities—not social media narratives.
If you have an urgent aviation complaint in Nigeria
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority publishes a consumer complaint process, including an online complaint form/portal and an email route for escalations after first contacting the airline’s customer affairs unit.
