Qatar Airways Faces Backlash Over Mid-Flight Death Handling
Qatar Airways is under scrutiny following an incident where a deceased passenger’s body was placed next to an Australian couple during a long-haul flight. The airline has defended its crew’s actions, stating they acted “quickly, appropriately and professionally.” However, the couple has expressed trauma over the experience, igniting discussions about protocols for handling deaths on board.
Incident Overview: A Distressing Experience
Mitchell Ring and Jennifer Colin were en route to Venice from Melbourne when a woman collapsed and died in the aisle beside them. According to Mr. Ring, the cabin crew attempted to move the deceased to the business class section but were unable to do so due to the woman’s size. Instead, they placed her body, covered with blankets, next to Mr. Ring for the remaining four hours of their 14-hour flight. While Ms. Colin was offered a seat across the aisle, Mr. Ring noted that no alternative seating was provided for him, despite the presence of vacant seats.
In a statement to the BBC, Qatar Airways acknowledged the distress caused by the incident and reiterated that the crew’s actions were in line with training and industry standards. The airline emphasized that a crew member remained with the deceased throughout the flight, ensuring respect and dignity in handling the situation.
Passenger Reactions and Airline Response
The couple’s experience has raised questions about the airline’s protocols for managing such sensitive situations. Ms. Colin remarked in a televised interview that while they do not hold the airline responsible for the woman’s death, there should be established procedures to care for passengers during such incidents. She expressed disbelief that passengers were instructed to remain seated while medical personnel attended to the deceased upon landing.
Qatar Airways has since offered support and compensation to the family of the deceased and other affected passengers. The airline’s statement highlighted the unfortunate reality of unexpected deaths occurring on flights and affirmed the crew’s training to handle these events with care.
Industry Standards and Best Practices
Experts in the aviation field have weighed in on the incident, noting that protocols typically involve isolating the deceased to minimize exposure to other passengers. Barry Eustance, a former Virgin Atlantic captain, stated that crew members usually strive to maintain privacy and respect for the deceased while also considering medical protocols. According to guidelines from the International Air Transport Association, the deceased should be moved to a seat away from other passengers and covered appropriately. Additionally, it is recommended that passengers disembark before authorities attend to the body upon landing.
This incident has sparked a broader conversation about the need for airlines to review and possibly enhance their procedures for handling deaths on board, ensuring that both the deceased and the remaining passengers are treated with the utmost respect and care.
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