When a passenger dies on board a planeA rigorous protocol is followed. L'crew first assesses the passenger's condition and, if possible, requests a doctor on board to declare the death. Next, theinformation is transmitted to the pilot in commandwhich prevents airport authorities. Le body is discreetly moved or held in place, secured. The commander then decides whether a emergency landing or to continue the flight. Legal formalities are completed on landing, and the repatriation of the deceased is organized.
Declaration of death
In the infinite sky, the death of a passenger is particularly serious. It is the responsibility of the flight crew to make an initial assessment of the person's condition. If, by chance, a doctor is among the passengers, his or her expertise is immediately sought. Only this medical professional is authorized to officially declare the death. In the absence of a doctor, it will be necessary to wait until the aircraft has landed before a competent authority can make the official declaration.
Information for the captain
Once the presumed death has been established, the crew must immediately notify the pilot in command. What's more, crucial information such as the time and nationality of the passenger is immediately reported. The captain then contacts airport authorities to their final destination to prepare them for the situation on arrival.
Body management
Respectful management of body is paramount. Space permitting, the crew moves the deceased to the rear of the aircraft, in a discreet location. If this is not possible, the body remains secured in the seat, fastened with the seatbelt and covered with a blanket. To avoid upsetting other passengers, neighboring passengers are relocated whenever possible.
Preparing for landing
In accordance with established protocols, the pilot in commandAir Traffic Control assesses the need for an emergency landing. Generally, the flight continues to its destination, but circumstances may require a change. On landing, a medical examiner and a team of local authorities wait for the device to take over the body of the deceased.
Legal formalities and repatriation
On the legal planIn this case, death is considered to have occurred where the aircraft landed. The local authorities establish a death certificatein accordance with local laws. The crew is required to write a detailed report on the circumstances of the incident. The repatriation process takes several days, involving various customs and administrative formalities. A coffin with 2.2 cm walls is required for air transport. In certain special situations, airlines can also help by issuing solutions, as detailed by this article on Jeju Air.
Indemnification and liability
In the event of death, the airlines in the European Union are obliged to meet the financial claims of the deceased's next of kin. There is no ceiling on this responsibility, which guarantees compensation appropriate to the damage suffered. In addition, all claims relating to ticket refunds in the event of death require official documentation, such as a death certificate and proof of ticket purchase.
Training and preparation of on-board personnel
Airlines prepare their on-board personnel to deal professionally with these rare but impactful circumstances. Specific protocols are formalized, ensuring that each crew member knows how to handle these delicate situations, minimizing the trauma for other passengers while respecting the dignity of the deceased.
Aeronautical procedures : Dealing with a death on board an aircraft
| Step | Action |
| 1. Notification of death | Assessment by a doctor on board, if possible |
| 2. Communication | Captain's notification |
| 3. Inform the authorities | Contact with airport authorities |
| 4. Body management | Move discreetly if possible, otherwise conceal with a blanket |
| 5. Landing preparation | Landing decisions by the captain |
| 6. Legal assistance | Death certificate issued at destination |
| 7. Repatriation | Organized by local authorities or insurance companies |
| 8. Respect for the family | Minimizing impact on passengers |
| 9. Crew report | Description of circumstances |
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