London, Jun 21 (Daily Mail) : A British holidaymaker has died while returning to the UK on a flight from Dubai to Manchester.

The 71 year-old UK passenger was already feeling ill when he boarded Emirates Flight 21 that took off from Dubai International Airport at at 12.18am UK time on Monday morning.

He collapsed near the end of the the seven hours, 13 minutes flight as the Boeing 777 descended to arrive at Manchester Airport at 7.31am.
An ambulance was ready and waiting for the plane as it came into land but the pensioner was already feared dead - confirmed by medics a short time later.

Sources have confirmed the deceased man was a British passport holder - but family members are still being informed.

The holidaymaker's name has not been revealed as the coroner was still being fully informed about the details of the mid-air tragedy.
Greater Manchester Police said: 'At around 7:30am, a 71-year-old man travelling on a flight from Dubai to Manchester Airport was found unresponsive by the cabin crew.

'Despite the best efforts of the cabin crew and paramedics at the scene, the man was pronounced dead a short time later.
'There are believed to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and a file will be prepared for the coroner.'

It is understood horrified and upset passengers were escorted off the long-haul flight before the dead man's body was removed.

The North West Ambulance Service said they attended the scene following reports of a deceased man on board a flight.

A Manchester Airport spokesperson said: 'Manchester Airport can confirm a passenger sadly passed away on an inbound flight this morning.

'Anyone with specific enquiries should contact the airline directly.'

Emirates confirmed the death of one of their passengers.

A spokesperson said: 'Emirates can confirm that a passenger on board today's Emirates flight EK 21 from Dubai to Manchester passed away during the flight.

'Emirates expresses its condolences to the family.'

Had the tragedy occurred just after take-off, it would have been likely the plane would have been diverted back to Dubai.

Cabin crew expert Carolyn Paddock, a former commercial flight attendant, said an in-flight death is a 'terrible thing' for both staff and passengers.

She explained: 'In my experience cabin crew are incredibly tenacious and resilient people who have incredible stamina for experiencing all sorts of crazy and upsetting events and being able to move through it, carry on, and ultimately be OK.'