Cape Town – A passenger died onboard a FlySafair flight from Durban to Johannesburg before departure, despite being cleared earlier by medical staff at King Shaka International Airport.
According to IOL, FlySafair’s chief marketing officer, Kirby Gordon, confirmed that the tragic incident occurred on Monday aboard flight FA417.
Gordon said that both the cabin crew and medical professionals on board attempted to assist and stabilise the passenger as their condition deteriorated.
“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”, said Gordon.
FlySafair acknowledged that the incident was distressing for all passengers on board and has offered professional support as a gesture of gratitude for their 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.
“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”, said Gordon.
@golomoahi 22 September 2025 @FlySafair ♬ original sound – Jumbo Lwando Nyangiwe
One of the passengers later shared her traumatic experience of the incident on TikTok.
“Yoh I’ve never cried so hard for a stranger in my life.”
“That was beyond painful. I need counselling”, she Golo Moahi.
“It was a sad flight- A passenger was sick and required serious medical attention while were in the sky. 10 minutes before landing he got worsened and passed on.
“I can’t deal 😭 I work with this things on daily basis but that one just traumatised me 😭😭 When I’m better I will explain what happened”, said Moahi.
Other passengers also commented on the post, providing additional details about what had taken place during the flight.
“I was in that flight that child 😭😭😭crying the dad to wake up 😭😭😭I need counselling FLIGHT FA417”, said ngwedi20222015.
“The hostess and doctors on board gave it everything they had. Very sad. I felt so sorry for the whole family that was on board”, said Ken P.
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Compiled by Anda Tolibadi
