An 85-year-old cardiologist from California reportedly died after choking during a Qatar Airways flight. His son filed a complaint, alleging the airline denied his father a pre-requested vegetarian meal. The incident occurred on August 1, 2023, during a flight from Los Angeles to Sri Lanka.
Key Takeaways
- An 85-year-old passenger, Asoka Jayaweera, died after allegedly choking on a meal on a Qatar Airways flight.
- His son claims the airline denied a pre-ordered vegetarian meal, telling his father to "eat around" the meat.
- The incident occurred two hours into a 15-hour flight, with medical assistance sought remotely.
- The flight continued for eight hours before an emergency landing in Edinburgh, Scotland.
- Jayaweera died two days later from aspiration pneumonia, a lung infection.
- The son is suing Qatar Airways for negligence and wrongful death, seeking over $128,000 in damages.
Flight Incident Details Emerge
The complaint states that Asoka Jayaweera, an 85-year-old cardiologist, was on a Qatar Airways flight traveling from Los Angeles to Sri Lanka. Approximately two hours into the 15-hour journey, cabin crew began distributing meals. Jayaweera had pre-requested a vegetarian meal, a detail that is central to the legal complaint.
A flight attendant allegedly informed Jayaweera that no vegetarian options were available. Instead, he was reportedly given a meal containing meat and instructed to "eat around" the meat portions. Soon after receiving this meal, Jayaweera began to choke.
Important Fact
Aspiration pneumonia, the reported cause of death, is a lung infection caused by accidentally inhaling food, liquid, or vomit into the lungs.
Medical Response and Flight Diversion Claims
As Jayaweera choked, flight staff sought medical assistance. They contacted MedAire, a Phoenix-based service that provides remote guidance from aviation-trained emergency room doctors for in-flight medical emergencies. During this time, the crew administered oxygen to Jayaweera, but his condition did not improve, and he lost consciousness.
"The complaint alleges Jayaweera began to choke on the meal shortly after he was served, but it is not clear what exactly in the meal he choked on," The Independent reported.
The person traveling with Jayaweera was reportedly told by flight crew that a diversion was not possible. The crew stated they were already above the Arctic Circle and about to cross the Arctic Ocean. However, the lawsuit claims that an emergency landing would have been feasible at that time, as the aircraft was flying over Wisconsin.
Background on In-Flight Medical Emergencies
Airlines often have protocols for medical emergencies, including remote consultation services and the ability to divert flights. The decision to divert depends on factors like the severity of the medical situation, aircraft location, available airports, and fuel reserves. These decisions are complex and aim to balance passenger safety with operational realities.
Emergency Landing and Subsequent Death
Despite the medical emergency, the flight continued for another eight hours. The aircraft eventually landed in Edinburgh, Scotland. Upon arrival, Jayaweera was transported to a hospital. Two days later, on August 3, 2023, Asoka Jayaweera died. The cause of death was aspiration pneumonia, a lung infection resulting from the accidental inhalation of food or liquid.
This tragic incident highlights the critical importance of catering to specific dietary needs on long-haul flights. Airlines are generally expected to provide requested special meals, especially when pre-ordered by passengers for health or religious reasons.
Legal Action Against Qatar Airways
Jayaweera's son has initiated legal proceedings against Qatar Airways. The lawsuit seeks damages for alleged negligence and wrongful death. The statutory minimum amount of $128,821 is being sought, along with funds to cover legal fees incurred during the process.
The complaint centers on the airline's alleged failure to provide the requested vegetarian meal and the subsequent handling of the medical emergency. Legal experts suggest that such cases often involve detailed investigations into airline policies, crew training, and communication protocols.
Legal Claim Amount
The son is seeking a statutory minimum of $128,821 in damages from Qatar Airways, in addition to legal fees.
Airline Responsibility for Passenger Welfare
Airlines have a responsibility to ensure the welfare and safety of their passengers. This includes providing appropriate meals when requested and responding effectively to in-flight medical emergencies. The outcome of this legal case could set precedents or reinforce existing guidelines regarding airline accountability for passenger dietary needs and emergency procedures.
Travelers often rely on airlines to honor pre-booked meal requests, particularly those with dietary restrictions due to allergies, medical conditions, or ethical choices. This incident underscores the potential severe consequences when such requests are not met.
- Pre-ordered meals: Passengers often book special meals in advance, expecting them to be available.
- Crew training: Flight attendants receive training for various in-flight emergencies, including medical situations.
- Diversion decisions: Pilots and crew make complex decisions regarding flight diversions based on multiple factors.
The aviation industry will likely monitor this case closely. It could influence how airlines manage special meal requests and handle critical medical incidents during flights. The case serves as a reminder of the many factors involved in ensuring passenger safety and comfort on long-distance air travel.
