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Qatar Airways is being sued for wrongful death in the U.S. after an 85-year-old man allegedly choked to death while attempting to pick around meat on a flight from Los Angeles to Colombo. The passenger, Dr. Asoka Jayaweera, a retired cardiologist from Southern California, was a strict vegetarian and had pre-ordered a vegetarian meal for his trip.

As per court filings and reports by The Independent, the incident occurred in July 2023 during a 15½-hour flight. Flight attendants informed Jayaweera that no vegetarian meal was available even though he had placed his dietary request, according to the complaint filed by his son, Surya Jayaweera. Instead, Jayaweera was offered a normal meal with meat and was allegedly instructed to "eat around" the meat. While trying to do so, he choked and lost consciousness, his son's complaint continues.

Emergency Response And Flight Diversion Dispute

The flight crew and remote medical advisors from MedAire, a medical advisory service for airlines, attempted to assist, but Jayaweera never regained consciousness. The airline reportedly did not make an immediate emergency landing, citing that the aircraft was flying “over the Arctic Circle/Ocean.” But the family refutes this assertion, citing flight records indicating that the plane was above the US Midwest, and diversion was feasible.

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After a few hours, the aircraft touched down in Edinburgh, Scotland, where Jayaweera was taken to a hospital and declared dead on August 3, 2023.

Allegations 0f Negligence

The complaint, brought in California federal court, charges Qatar Airways with wrongful death and negligence, alleging that the airline neglected meal service and medical response. The complaint highlights that the airline disregarded Jayaweera's advance dietary booking and did not respond appropriately during his medical emergency.

"Had the airline respected my father's vegetarian meal preference and responded properly during the emergency, this terrible crash might have been avoided," said Surya Jayaweera in a press statement.

Qatar Airways, based on international aviation agreements, has not publicly acknowledged liability. The company usually operates according to medical emergency procedures and meal provision protocols, but these procedures were inadequate and negligent, according to the attorneys representing the family.

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The lawsuit is currently pending in the California federal court, and the family is looking for answers and justice against the avoidable death of Dr. Asoka Jayaweera.