diff --git a/hw/acpi/pcihp.c b/hw/acpi/pcihp.c
index dcfb779a7a..cdd6f775a1 100644
--- a/hw/acpi/pcihp.c
+++ b/hw/acpi/pcihp.c
@@ -357,6 +357,16 @@ void acpi_pcihp_device_unplug_request_cb(HotplugHandler *hotplug_dev,
      * acpi_pcihp_eject_slot() when the operation is completed.
      */
     pdev->qdev.pending_deleted_event = true;
+    /* if unplug was requested before OSPM is initialized,
+     * linux kernel will clear GPE0.sts[] bits during boot, which effectively
+     * hides unplug event. And than followup qmp_device_del() calls remain
+     * blocked by above flag permanently.
+     * Unblock qmp_device_del() by setting expire limit, so user can
+     * repeat unplug request later when OSPM has been booted.
+     */
+    pdev->qdev.pending_deleted_expires_ms =
+        qemu_clock_get_ms(QEMU_CLOCK_VIRTUAL); /* 1 msec */
+
     s->acpi_pcihp_pci_status[bsel].down |= (1U << slot);
     acpi_send_event(DEVICE(hotplug_dev), ACPI_PCI_HOTPLUG_STATUS);
 }