British Airways has affirmed that they followed all necessary procedures in response to allegations that a woman’s body was kept in a heated galley for 13 hours. The woman, aged in her 60s, reportedly passed away an hour after the Hong Kong to London flight took off, but the pilot chose not to return or make an emergency landing. Crew members were reportedly left with no choice but to store the deceased at the front of the aircraft, which features a heated floor.

A source disclosed to the Sun that there was a discussion among the crew on how to handle the situation, with suggestions such as locking the body in a toilet rejected. Consequently, the body was isolated, wrapped, and relocated to a galley at the back of the plane, which had a heated floor. Towards the end of the flight, there were reports of a foul smell emanating from that area.

Upon arrival, police met Flight BA32 and conducted investigations, leading to a 45-minute delay for passengers. British Airways provided support to all crew members, some of whom have taken time off due to the emotional impact of the incident.

According to International Air Transport Association guidelines, if a passenger dies during a flight, their body should be appropriately covered and moved away from other passengers. British Airways expressed condolences, stating that they are assisting the bereaved family and friends, and confirming that all protocols were duly followed.