Abubakar Siddiq Ibn Usman
A British Airways flight from London to Abuja was diverted to Barcelona in the early hours of Monday after a retired Nigerian Air Vice Marshal reportedly died mid-air, prompting a medical emergency.
The flight, which departed Heathrow Airport around 11:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 5, was en route to Abuja when the pilot diverted to El Prat Airport, Barcelona, at about 1:30 a.m. following distress calls from the cabin crew.
Sources said the deceased, an octogenarian from Anambra State, had been battling a health condition and was returning home for medical care before his sudden death. Attempts by passengers and onboard medical personnel to revive him proved unsuccessful.
The tense atmosphere reportedly triggered a second medical emergency involving a pregnant passenger who suffered distress during the ordeal. Both cases were attended to by Spanish emergency medics upon landing.
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In a statement, British Airways expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and apologized to passengers for the disruption, assuring that arrangements had been made for a replacement aircraft to complete the trip to Abuja.
The airline said, “We are deeply sorry for the disruption and are doing everything possible to ensure our customers reach their destination safely and comfortably.”
Meanwhile, a senior military source confirmed the late officer’s passing, describing him as a disciplined and patriotic gentleman who contributed immensely to the development of the Nigerian Air Force.
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