Family of Deceased Qatar Airways Passenger Files Lawsuit After In-Flight Choking Incident
Qatar Airways Faces Lawsuit Over Passenger’s In-Flight Tragedy
Passenger Choking Incident Sparks Legal Action
A lawsuit has been filed against Qatar Airways, accusing the airline of negligence following the death of passenger Asoka Jayaweera. The passenger reportedly began choking on board a flight from Los Angeles to Sri Lanka, via Doha, in August 2023. The legal action was initiated by Jayaweera’s son in a California court last Friday.
The incident occurred approximately two and a half hours into the 15-hour flight when the meal service started. As a strict vegetarian, Jayaweera was informed that the flight had run out of vegetarian meal options. According to the lawsuit, he was given a regular meal and was advised to “eat around” the meat, leading to the choking incident shortly thereafter.
In-Flight Emergency and Medical Intervention
The legal complaint asserts that Jayaweera received medical assistance from the flight crew. However, the suit claims that the aircraft was unable to make an immediate emergency landing due to its position over the Arctic Circle and the Atlantic Ocean at the time.
Despite being administered oxygen, Jayaweera reportedly lost consciousness approximately five hours after the choking began. The lawsuit details that it took an additional two and a half hours before the flight was diverted to Edinburgh, where he was transported to a hospital. Tragically, Jayaweera passed away the following day from aspiration pneumonia, a lung infection potentially caused by inhaling food.
Montreal Convention and Legal Implications
The lawsuit leverages the Montreal Convention, a treaty that holds airlines accountable for passenger deaths during international flights. Under this agreement, airlines are liable for confirmed damages up to 128,821 special drawing rights, which is roughly $175,000. However, they can avoid further liability if they prove the incident was not due to their negligence.
Surya Jayaweera, the plaintiff, is seeking compensation above the standard amount, questioning the extended duration taken by the airline to land the aircraft following the emergency.
Qatar Airways Silent Amidst Legal Proceedings
As of now, Qatar Airways has not issued any comment regarding the lawsuit or the specifics of the incident. The unfolding legal battle raises critical questions about airline procedures and passenger safety, particularly concerning dietary accommodations and emergency response protocols on long-haul flights.
