A body was discovered hidden within the undercarriage of an aircraft that landed at the West Sussex aviation hub, with investigators establishing the individual died from the extreme conditions within the confined compartment.

The deceased, whose name has not yet been established, was found inside the wheel well of the aircraft that had travelled from the North African country on 16 June.

A maintenance specialist working at the airport spotted a securing strap dangling from the wheel housing and made the discovery.

Medical examiners concluded the cause of death was heart failure, exacerbated by oxygen deprivation and exposure to freezing temperatures.

Coroner Joseph Turner began proceedings at the judicial building in Horsham on 25 August, noting the temperature inside the compartment would have been dangerously low and oxygen supplies insufficient, formally opening the inquest on the grounds he had cause to suspect this death was unnatural.

The Air Arabia narrow-body jet had completed its route from the Moroccan port city before parking at the designated position on the southern side of the terminal.

Officers and paramedics attended after staff members raised concerns about the strap, and the individual was pronounced dead at the scene.

Work to verify his identity remains ongoing, with investigators unable to confirm his name, date of birth, country of origin, residential details, employment, or family situation.

Airport representatives stated they were assisting authorities with their inquiries.

The inquest has been postponed until 24 February 2027.