Investigation following death of disabled passenger at London airport

An investigation has been launched into the death of an unassisted disabled plane passenger who reportedly fell down at London's Gatwick Airport.

The Sun newspaper cited a source who said the man and his wife required special assistance to disembark the plane and the passenger fell down an escalator after making his own way into the terminal.

It comes days after Britain's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said it had seen an increase in reports of "significant service failings" at airports, including incidents where passengers needing assistance have been taken off a plane hours after other passengers.

EasyJet confirmed the death on Wednesday in a statement, adding members of its cabin crew gave medical assistance to the unnamed passenger while waiting for help from paramedics.

The airline said: "A number of our cabin crew provided medical assistance to a passenger at Gatwick Airport whilst waiting for paramedics to arrive, however the passenger sadly later passed away. Our thoughts are with their family and friends at this difficult time."

Staff shortages

A Gatwick Airport spokesperson said the incident occurred while airport staff were helping to disembark three passengers with restricted mobility (PRM), adding staff shortages played no role in the incident.

The spokesperson said: "This is a sad and tragic incident and our thoughts remain with the family of the deceased."

"Staff shortages were not a factor in this incident as has been claimed," the spokesperson continued. "It is normal for one staff member to disembark three passengers who require assistance by taking them one at a time the short distance to the waiting buggy. A formal investigation is currently under way and it would not be appropriate to comment further."