An American Airlines flight is due to arrive in Barbados this afternoon, a day later than originally scheduled, following the death of a passenger that forced the plane to be diverted yesterday.

The flight out of Miami had been due to arrive in Barbados last night and then leave this morning on the return journey.

However, a medical emergency was declared on the inbound flight yesterday and the aircraft was diverted to San Juan, Puerto Rico, after an elderly female passenger fell ill and then passed away onboard.

Starcom Network News understands that when the plane landed in San Juan medical personnel were brought on board as well as counsellors for the distraught husband of the deceased and the other passengers, several of whom were also in tears.

The deceased who had boarded the plane wheelchair-assisted was reportedly returning to Barbados after visiting a close relative in Florida and was said to have been very excited about the trip.