Passenger Dies on British Airways Flight, Body Stored in Galley for 13 Hours

A British Airways flight from Hong Kong to London continued its journey for more than 13 hours after a woman in her 60s died onboard, with her body later placed in a rear galley area that reportedly had heated flooring, a detail that led to passenger complaints of a foul smell as the aircraft neared Heathrow.

The incident occurred roughly an hour after BA32, operated by an Airbus A350‑1000, departed Hong Kong. Crew members wrapped the deceased passenger and moved her to the back galley after rejecting an initial suggestion to place the body inside a lavatory. According to reports, the galley’s heated floor may have intensified the odor during the final hours of the flight, prompting discomfort among several of the 331 passengers onboard.

Police met the aircraft upon arrival in London, holding passengers in their seats for about 45 minutes while officers carried out routine checks. British Airways said all procedures were correctly followed and expressed condolences to the passenger’s family, adding that crew members involved have been offered support, with some reportedly taking time off due to trauma.