Qatar Airways Sued Over Passenger Death on Vegetarian Meal

Qatar Airways is facing a wrongful death lawsuit in the United States following a tragic incident involving an 85-year-old passenger. Dr. Asoka Jayaweera, a retired cardiologist from Southern California, reportedly choked and died mid-flight after being served a non-vegetarian meal. The flight in question was a Los Angeles to Colombo route in July 2023.

Vegetarian Meal Request Allegedly Denied

According to the lawsuit, Dr. Jayaweera had specifically requested a vegetarian meal prior to boarding. However, he was allegedly not provided with the requested food, which led to him being served a non-vegetarian dish. The complaint claims this failure contributed directly to his fatal choking incident during the flight.

Legal Action Filed in United States

The passenger’s family has initiated legal proceedings against Qatar Airways in a U.S. court, seeking accountability for what they describe as negligence and failure to respect dietary requirements. The wrongful death lawsuit underscores the responsibilities of airlines to honor pre-ordered meals and ensure passenger safety.

Alleged Negligence and Responsibility

The case highlights the alleged breach of duty by the airline to adhere to specific dietary needs. The family argues that strict vegetarian requirements are crucial, especially for older passengers with potential health vulnerabilities, and that disregarding these needs can have serious consequences.

Airline Safety and Passenger Care

Airlines are expected to follow strict protocols to prevent food-related incidents, particularly for passengers with dietary restrictions, allergies, or medical conditions. The lawsuit draws attention to the critical importance of ensuring that passenger preferences and health needs are met during long-haul flights.

Potential Implications for Aviation Industry

This lawsuit may have broader implications for the aviation industry regarding meal service protocols, communication with passengers, and liability for in-flight incidents. Experts suggest that airlines may face increased scrutiny and legal challenges if dietary requests are not handled properly.

Family Seeks Justice and Accountability

Dr. Jayaweera’s family is pursuing legal action to hold Qatar Airways accountable and to prevent similar incidents in the future. They emphasize the need for clear operational procedures to protect vulnerable passengers and ensure airline compliance with international safety and service standards.

The outcome of the lawsuit is pending in the U.S. legal system. The case may result in changes to airline policies and heightened attention to passenger safety, particularly for elderly travelers and those with specific dietary restrictions.