Image Credit: X account@qatarairways
Passenger Dies After Wrong Meal on Qatar Flight
An 85-year-old vegetarian passenger, Dr. Asoka Jayaweera, has died after choking on food served aboard a Qatar Airways flight, according to a lawsuit filed by his family. He had reportedly ordered a vegetarian meal but was given a non-vegetarian dish instead.
Meal Service Controversy
The incident occurred on a flight from Los Angeles to Colombo, with a stop in Doha. When his vegetarian meal was unavailable, crew members allegedly told him to “eat around” the meat. While doing so, he began to choke, sparking a mid-air emergency.
Medical Response Onboard
Flight attendants contacted MedAire, a remote medical service, and administered oxygen. However, the flight did not divert. Hours later, the plane landed in Edinburgh, Scotland, where Jayaweera was taken to a hospital. He died on August 3, 2023, reportedly due to aspiration pneumonia.
Family’s Legal Action
The family has accused Qatar Airways of negligence, citing both the mishandling of the meal request and the emergency response. They argue the crew failed in their duty of care and could have landed sooner to save his life.
Wider Implications
The case has raised concerns about airline accountability in honoring dietary preferences and handling medical emergencies. It has sparked debate over whether airlines are adequately equipped to ensure passenger safety in such situations.
