Those on board tried to save him

It is believed the man suffered a cardiac arrest mid-flight.

Flight LS3214 departed Burgas shortly after 1pm local time on September 16.

Approximately two hours into the UK-bound flight, crew members declared an emergency after a man suffered a cardiac arrest.

Pilots diverted the aircraft to Cologne and rapidly descended to the ground.

Despite the best efforts of crew and passengers on board who tried to resuscitate him, the man died.

The return flight to the UK was postponed until later that evening.

A Jet2 spokesman said: “We can confirm that flight LS3214 from Bourgas to Liverpool John Lennon diverted to Cologne on Monday 16th September, due to a customer requiring medical assistance.

“Regrettably, we can confirm that the customer sadly passed away. 

“We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the customer's family and friends at this very difficult time.”

Recently, a flight attendant dropped dead in front of passengers as they boarded a plane in Naples, Italy.

Gabriella Cario - who worked for ITA Airways – felt unwell as she waited at the boarding gate on September 14.

The mum-of-three did not ask for help as she wanted to get home to her husband and sons and dismissed the illness as a ‘fainting spell’.

However, as she boarded the plane, she collapsed and died within minutes in front of horrified passengers and colleagues.