Full Breakdown
Qatar Airways Faces Lawsuit Following Passenger's Death on Flight
10/11/2025, 1:59:09 AM
Incident Overview: Choking Death of Asoka Jayaweera
Qatar Airways is facing a wrongful death lawsuit after the tragic death of 85-year-old Asoka Jayaweera, who reportedly choked on a non-vegetarian meal served during a flight from Los Angeles to Sri Lanka via Doha in August 2023. According to the lawsuit filed by his son, Surya Jayaweera, the incident occurred approximately two and a half hours into the 15-hour flight when the meal service began. Despite Jayaweera's pre-order for a vegetarian meal, he was served a meat-based dish and was advised by the crew to "eat around" the meat. Shortly after, he began choking.
Timeline of Events
- August 2023: Asoka Jayaweera boards a Qatar Airways flight from Los Angeles to Sri Lanka.
- Two and a half hours into the flight: Meal service begins; Jayaweera is served a non-vegetarian meal despite requesting vegetarian.
- Shortly after meal service: Jayaweera starts choking.
- Five hours post-choking: He loses consciousness; the flight diverts to Edinburgh two and a half hours later.
- Next day: Jayaweera dies from aspiration pneumonia, a condition linked to choking.
Legal Allegations and Airline Response
The lawsuit alleges negligence on the part of Qatar Airways, questioning why the aircraft did not divert for emergency assistance sooner. Under the Montreal Convention, airlines are liable for passenger deaths on international flights unless they can prove that negligence did not occur. The suit seeks damages exceeding the standard limit of approximately $175,000, emphasizing the airline's failure to adhere to dietary requests and provide timely medical intervention.
Qatar Airways has expressed condolences to Jayaweera's family and stated that it is cooperating with the ongoing investigation. The airline has also indicated a commitment to reviewing its internal procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Criticism and Concerns Raised
The incident has sparked significant public outrage and raised questions about Qatar Airways' adherence to safety protocols, particularly regarding dietary requirements and emergency medical responses. Critics argue that the airline's handling of the situation reflects a broader issue of accountability in the aviation industry, especially concerning passenger safety and dietary accommodations.
Conflicting Reports on Flight Protocols
There are conflicting accounts regarding the captain's decision not to divert the flight. While the airline claims that the aircraft was over the Arctic Circle, making diversion complicated, the plaintiff's family argues that the choking incident occurred while the plane was still within U.S. airspace, suggesting that a diversion could have been feasible. This discrepancy is central to the legal dispute and may influence public perception of the airline's operational protocols.
Broader Implications for Airline Safety
The case against Qatar Airways highlights critical issues surrounding in-flight safety and the need for robust emergency protocols. As legal proceedings unfold, the outcome could prompt airlines globally to reassess their policies regarding passenger dietary needs and medical emergencies, potentially leading to changes in international aviation standards.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Legal representatives for the family argue that both the meal mix-up and the lack of timely medical intervention directly contributed to the man’s death.” — Surya Jayaweera, Plaintiff
This incident serves as a reminder of the vital importance of airlines prioritizing passenger safety and adhering to dietary requests, particularly for those with specific health needs.
