A tragic incident occurred at King Shaka International Airport in Durban on Friday evening, resulting in the death of a passenger ahead of her scheduled flight to Johannesburg.
The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) reported that an emergency medical response was requested at 20:35 after a traveler was observed having difficulty breathing at gate A12.
The passenger, a woman preparing to board FlySafair flight FA279 scheduled to depart for Johannesburg at 20:45, was seen struggling to breathe. A passenger services agent was dispatched to the scene and arrived at 20:40, discovering that the woman was unresponsive.
Paramedics arrived shortly thereafter and provided advanced life support; however, despite their best efforts, she was declared dead at the scene.
The cause of death remains unknown at this time, and the incident has been handed over to the police for further investigation. ACSA expressed its condolences to the traveler’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.
"We can confirm that the matter has been handed over to the police. ACSA would like to extend its deepest condolences to the traveller's family and loved ones during this difficult time," a statement from the company read.
This tragic event at King Shaka International Airport mirrors a similar incident that occurred in December at Cape Town International Airport. In that case, a 61-year-old man died while preparing to board a flight to Durban. He collapsed on the floor of the check-in area at the domestic departures terminal.
Such incidents highlight the importance of emergency preparedness at airports, where the convergence of large numbers of people from various backgrounds and health conditions can sometimes lead to medical emergencies.
ACSA and other airport authorities prioritize the health and safety of their passengers, but these tragic events underscore the unpredictable nature of medical emergencies and the critical role of rapid response.
In both incidents, the swift action by airport staff and medical personnel, although unable to save the individuals, exemplifies the protocols in place to handle such emergencies.
The condolences extended by ACSA reflect the shared grief and support offered to the affected families, reminding the community of the human connections that persist beyond the logistics of air travel.
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