DEADLY FLIGHT

Woman Suffers ‘Sudden Death’ Onboard Ultra-Long Haul Flight

A spokesperson for the airline confirmed a passenger had died while making the more than 17-hour journey.

A woman has died while taking one of the longest commercial flights in the world. Her death took place during the more than 17-hour journey, operated by Qantas, from John F. Kennedy International in New York to Auckland Airport in New Zealand, and before she could make a second, four-hour onward journey to Sydney, Australia. Local outlets report that emergency services were dispatched and immediately rushed over to the aircraft as soon as it arrived in Auckland. A spokesperson for Qantas said “urgent assistance was provided by crew and doctors onboard but sadly they passed away.” New Zealand Police have also since confirmed the death and that the matter remains subject to investigation. “Police have attended a sudden death, which occurred on an inbound Qantas flight from New York to Auckland overnight,” a spokesperson said. “Police are making inquiries into the woman’s death on behalf of the Coroner.” The woman has not been identified at this time.