British Airways Stores Body in Galley for 13 Hours, Causing Foul Smell

In a recent incident involving British Airways, a deceased passenger was stored in the rear galley of the aircraft for 13 hours, provoking a foul smell that unsettled other passengers. The incident occurred on flight BA32 from Hong Kong to London.

Incident Overview

British Airways flight BA32, operated by an Airbus A350-1000, departed from Hong Kong (HKG) to London (LHR) on a journey of approximately 14 hours and 5,994 miles. About one hour into the flight, a woman in her 60s suddenly passed away.

Handling of the Situation

• The crew opted against the pilots’ suggestion to store the body in a lavatory.
• Instead, they wrapped the deceased in blankets and placed her in the rear galley.
• The galley is reported to have a heated floor, contributing to accelerated decomposition.

Passenger Experience

With 331 passengers aboard, the flight crew faced a challenging situation. Many passengers noted an unpleasant odor as the flight continued. Upon landing, they had to remain on board for about 45 minutes while local authorities conducted an investigation.

Airline’s Statement

In response to the incident, British Airways asserted that all protocols were followed correctly. The airline expressed condolences, stating their “thoughts are with the woman’s family and friends.”

Procedures for Handling Deaths on Flights

The handling of deceased passengers varies among airlines. Procedures often depend on the specific circumstances of each case. For instance, other airlines, like Singapore Airlines in the past, provided a special area for deceased passengers. However, such provisions are rare on commercial flights today.

Discussion on Best Practices

There are critical considerations regarding how to manage a passenger’s death during a flight. Balancing the wishes of the deceased’s family with the comfort of the remaining passengers is no easy task. While some believe that storing the body in a lavatory could have been a better option, others recognize the dilemma faced by the crew during such a tragic event.

The foul odor experienced by passengers remains a perplexing aspect of this case. Questions arise regarding the heating features of the galley and the potential impact on the deceased body.

Conclusion

The incident on British Airways flight BA32 serves as a troubling example of how in-flight emergencies can unfold. Handling a death onboard poses significant challenges, both ethically and logistically. The situation highlights the need for clearer protocols and practices to ensure respect for passengers while maintaining overall comfort in the cabin.