Qatar Airways Serves Meat To Vegetarian Passenger, Elderly Doctor Dies Mid-Flight, Son Sues Airline

Airline Error Ends Tragically: An 85-year-old retired cardiologist from Southern California, Dr. Ashok Jayweera, lost his life on a Qatar Airways flight after being served non-vegetarian food despite ordering vegetarian. The shocking case, though two years old, has resurfaced after his son filed a lawsuit against the airline, accusing it of negligence. The incident has sparked outrage among flyers worldwide, raising questions about airline accountability and passenger safety. Reports say Dr. Jayweera collapsed mid-flight, struggling to breathe shortly after consuming the meal.

Flight From Los Angeles To Colombo

The incident occurred on June 30, 2023, on a 15.5-hour Qatar Airways flight from Los Angeles to Colombo. Dr. Jayweera had requested a special vegetarian meal before boarding. However, when he asked for his food, attendants told him no vegetarian options were available. Instead, they handed him a standard non-vegetarian meal and encouraged him to eat it. Despite being hesitant, he consumed it, which soon led to medical complications that turned fatal.

Sudden Health Collapse Mid-Air

As Dr. Jayweera ate the non-vegetarian food, he suddenly experienced difficulty breathing and collapsed in his seat. Crew members rushed to assist and provided emergency help, but his condition worsened. The flight was diverted for an emergency landing in Edinburgh, Scotland, where doctors attempted to revive him. Unfortunately, he was declared dead on arrival. Medical reports later confirmed his death was due to aspiration pneumonia, a lung infection caused by mistakenly inhaling food particles.

Son Files Strong Lawsuit

Dr. Jayweera’s son, Surya Jayweera, has filed a lawsuit against Qatar Airways in the United States. The case accuses the airline of negligence in meal service and in failing to provide proper medical assistance during the emergency. The lawsuit also highlights that despite his father’s pre-booked vegetarian request, the airline failed to ensure safe and suitable food. Surya is seeking damages of at least $128,821 for wrongful death, negligence, and emotional suffering caused by the incident.

Legal Grounds Under Treaty

The lawsuit cites the Montreal Convention, an international treaty regulating airline liability in accidents and deaths during international flights. Both Qatar and the United States are signatories to this agreement. Under the treaty, airlines are held accountable for passenger injuries or wrongful deaths caused during flights. The convention places a statutory liability cap of $175,000 for such claims, making it a crucial legal foundation in the ongoing case against Qatar Airways.

Global Outrage Over Safety

The tragic story has gained international attention, especially among vegetarian communities and frequent travelers. Many passengers fear such negligence could happen to anyone, questioning whether airlines truly prioritize passenger needs. Critics argue that flight staff must ensure dietary preferences are strictly followed, especially for elderly or medically sensitive passengers. Aviation experts have also emphasized the need for airlines to carry adequate medical support and training for emergencies of this nature.

Airline Accountability Questioned

This case has once again put airline accountability under scrutiny. For passengers, pre-ordered meals are not just a matter of choice but often of health and faith. The lawsuit against Qatar Airways has reignited debate on passenger rights in aviation and the responsibilities of global carriers. While the legal battle continues, the emotional reunion of negligence and grief remains a painful reminder of how a single meal mistake can end in tragedy.