A passenger on board an easyJet flight to holiday island Lanzarote died mid-flight on Tuesday after crew members did everything they could to help the traveller.

The tragedy unfolded as flight EJU6775, which had departed Nantes Loire Atlantique airport in France, began its descent on the Spanish island.

The airline told French outlet Le Parisien that its crew members did everything they could to save the passenger, who has not been named.

The captain triggered a distress signal before 'performing a routine landing in accordance with standard procedures'.

'Our crews are trained to respond to medical procedures and did everything possible during the flight', the airline said.

'Our thoughts are with the passenger's family and friends and we extend our full support and assistance to them during this difficult time.

'The well-being and safety of our passengers and crew is always easyJet's top priority,' easyJet added.

The passenger's cause of death it not yet known.

A passenger on board an easyJet flight to Lanzarote died mid-flight on Tuesday

French media reported that a significant delay was caused on the return flight due to the incident.

DailyMail has reached out to easyJet for comment.

The tragedy comes several months after a Jet2 plane was forced to make an emergency landing after a passenger died on board a flight from Tenerife to Nottingham.

The plane, which was making its way to the UK, was diverted to mainland Spain back in February after a man, believed to be in his 70s, died.

The nationality of the passenger was pronounced dead on touchdown.

According to Diario de Avisos, the crew notified air traffic control that a man was experiencing a severe medical emergency and was in need of urgent assistance.

The jet was forced to touchdown at Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport, so emergency services could attend to the individual.

An ambulance was sent to the terminal at the Galician capital, but the man was pronounced dead on arrival.

A Jet2 spokesperson said: 'We can confirm that flight LS676 from Tenerife to East Midlands Airport diverted to Santiago de Compostela on Friday 14th February due to a customer requiring urgent medical attention.

'Sadly, we can confirm that the customer has passed away and we would like to extend our deepest sympathies to their family and friends at this difficult time.'

EasyJet passenger dies during flight to Lanzarote