FlySafair is providing counselling services to passengers who were aboard flight FA417 from Durban to Johannesburg on Monday, following the death of a fellow passenger mid-flight.
The airline's Chief Marketing Officer, Kirby Gordon, confirmed the incident, explaining that medical personnel stationed at King Shaka International Airport had assessed the passenger before the flight's departure and cleared them as fit to travel.
"While in the air, the passenger’s condition deteriorated. Our cabin crew, together with medical professionals who were among the passengers, did everything possible to assist, but tragically the person passed away before the flight landed," Gordon said.
Gordon acknowledged the distressing nature of the event for everyone on board and expressed gratitude for the passengers' patience and understanding. "FlySafair’s crew are trained to respond to in-flight medical emergencies to the best of their ability until professional help is available. As is standard practice, this incident will be reviewed internally to ensure that any learnings are taken forward," he stated.
He further added, "We are also thankful to the medical professionals who stepped forward to provide support. We have information available about professional counselling services available to passengers who may feel affected, and we are extending support to our staff as well."
The tragic event has prompted emotional reactions from those who were on the flight, with passengers taking to social media to share their experiences.
TikTok user, Duduzile.rt, expressed her sorrow, saying, "All I can think of is the cry of his daughter. This is honestly the most traumatic flight experience I've ever had. May he rest in peace."
Another passenger, Golo Moahi, shared her distress, stating, "I can't deal. I work with [these] things on [a] daily basis but that one just traumatised me."
The incident has also resonated with airport staff who have witnessed similar events in the past. Motsiri Mohale, who has worked at the airport for almost 20 years, recounted a separate incident, "I have seen people dying while waiting for their flight to board. The latest incident was of a lady who collapsed and passed away just after getting off an aeroplane. She was holding a bundle of flowers. She came to Gauteng to celebrate her child's birthday. Her husband was sitting there helplessly,"
FlySafair is committed to providing support to those affected by this incident, offering professional counselling services to passengers and extending support to its staff. The airline will also conduct an internal review of the incident to identify any areas for improvement in their response to in-flight medical emergencies.
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