Turkish Airlines passenger takes own life while in lavatory; flight diverts

A Turkish Airlines flight was diverted to Houari Boumediene International Airport  (ALG) in Algiers after a passenger was found dead inside one of the Boeing 737-MAX 8’s lavatories.

Flight TK 619 was flying from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) on July 25, 2023. 

Shortly after the aircraft took off, a passenger locked himself inside the lavatory.

Flight attendants began to knock on the lavatory door when the man remained inside for some time. After receiving no response, flight attendants opened the lavatory door and found the man lifeless, appearing to have taken his own life.

A physician who was onboard attempted to administer first aid and revive the man, but to no avail.

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Türk Hava Yolları’nı #TK619 İstanbul-Marakeş seferinde bir yolcu intihar etti.

THY : “TK619 İstanbul-Marakeş seferimiz hakkında;
İstanbul-Marakeş seferini yapan #TK619 sefer sayılı uçakta, bir yolcumuz tuvalette intihar girişiminde bulundu. Tuvaletin uzun süre kapalı… pic.twitter.com/MxcdnE4ZfG

— Medyanın Elli Tonu (@Medyanin50Tonu) July 25, 2023

The flight immediately diverted to ALG Airport. After Algerian authorities took custody of the body, the flight continued on to Marrakech, arriving 41 minutes behind schedule.

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AeroTime reached out to Turkish Airlines for a statement on the incident.