A 75-year-old Libyan passenger fell ill and died on board a Tunisair flight from Cairo that had to be diverted to Malta yesterday afternoon.

The flight, on its way to Tunis, was rerouted after the passenger felt unwell, sources said.

The pilot requested to land in Malta because it was the closest place that could provide medical help. The Maltese authorities allowed the captain to land but the passenger died onboard as the plane was approaching the airport

The request to land was made at about 3.30 p.m. and the authorities were immediately informed the passenger had died.

An ambulance was sent to the airport and the passengers alighted while the police started investigations. After almost three hours, the plane left Malta and continued its flight to Tunis.

An autopsy on the body will be held today and Magistrate Joseph Apap Bologna has been informed.