Two British Airways flight attendants have lost their lives while on duty in separate incidents, a tragedy that rocked the carrier as the year 2023 ended.
The first steward was found dead on December 23, 2023 in a layover hotel in Newark after he failed to report for duty.
The steward’s scheduled flight from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) was subsequently canceled.
Passengers were rebooked on later flights, and the steward’s colleagues were flown back to London as passengers.
The second male flight attendant died on a New Year’s Eve flight from LHR Airport to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG).
According to reports, the flight was preparing for departure, and as the doors locked and the pilot called for pushback, the steward collapsed at the rear galley of the aircraft.
The pilot immediately called for medical assistance and a passenger who was trained in first aid tried to help resuscitate the steward.
Local police and medical crews eventually arrived at the scene, but sadly the steward could not be saved.
The flight was subsequently canceled and all passengers were booked on another flight the following day.
Both flight attendants were aged 52, and according to The New York Post, had no known health issues.
British Airways told AeroTime: “Our thoughts are with our colleagues’ friends and family at this incredibly sad time.”