A 51-year-old vaccinated man died on a Pegasus Airlines flight from Turkey to Germany last week.
A report in The National notes that authorities have confirmed the man had coronavirus, but note the cause of death is unconfirmed.
The man departed Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen Airport in Turkey on Flight PC1-43 on Monday, Oct. 25.
Airline staff discovered the man dead in his seat when his plane landed in Hamburg, Germany. Medical test results indicate the man tested positive for COVID-19.
Pegasus Airlines confirmed the incident but stressed that their staff followed proper COVID-19 protocols.
The Western Journal reports that a police spokesperson indicated that the man was traveling alone and had a window seat.
The same report includes a statement from a Pegasus Airlines spokesperson:
“In full compliance with the COVID-19 regulations between Germany and Turkey, the passenger was allowed to take the flight from Istanbul to Hamburg after providing evidence of his or her complete vaccination status.”
Germany’s COVID-19 travel stipulations require travelers to take a COVID-19 test within 48 hours of their arrival in Germany, regardless of their country of origin.
Pegasus Airlines has withheld the man’s identity at this time but has extended condolences to his family.
“We extend our condolences to the family and neighbours of the passenger,” the airline stated, as reported by The National.