Qatar Airways has come under scrutiny after a passenger death on a 14-hour flight from Melbourne to Doha sparked outrage. The airline has now defended its crew’s actions, stating that they acted “quickly, appropriately and professionally” during the incident.
Incident Overview
On a long-haul flight, a woman passed away unexpectedly, and her body was left onboard for a portion of the journey. According to reports, the deceased passenger was covered in blankets and remained seated next to a male passenger for approximately four hours until the flight landed in Doha. This arrangement was reportedly made after the cabin crew requested that the male passenger move over so that the deceased could be placed in his seat.
Airline’s Response and Investigation
In a statement to the BBC, Qatar Airways explained that an internal review confirmed the crew’s handling of the situation was in line with both training protocols and industry standards. The airline emphasized that such incidents, though rare, are an “unfortunate reality” in aviation. “Our crew are highly trained to deal with these situations with as much respect and dignity as possible,” the statement read. Qatar Airways also confirmed that support and compensation have been offered to the deceased’s family and other passengers directly affected by the event.
The airline further clarified, “Passengers were accommodated to other seats, and a crew member remained with the deceased passenger for the duration of the flight until landing in Doha.” This measure, according to the carrier, was taken to ensure that the situation was managed with the utmost care.
Passenger Accounts
The incident has left a lasting impact on some of the passengers. Mitchell Ring and Jennifer Colin, a couple who were on the flight, spoke to Australia’s Channel Nine about the traumatic experience. Mr. Ring recalled that he was asked to move over to accommodate the deceased, and despite vacant seats being available, he was not offered an alternative. “We totally understand that we can’t hold the airline responsible for the poor lady’s death, but surely there has to be a protocol to look after the customers on board,” said Ms. Colin.
Mr. Ring described the post-landing scene as harrowing. He recounted how passengers were instructed to remain seated while medical staff and police arrived. “I can’t believe they told us to stay,” he said, adding that he expected to be allowed to disembark before the arrival of emergency personnel. Both Mr. Ring and Ms. Colin expressed frustration over the lack of immediate support and follow-up care for passengers affected by the incident.
Ongoing Debate Over Duty of Care
Critics argue that airlines have a duty of care towards their passengers that extends beyond simply managing an in-flight emergency. Mr. Ring stressed, “They have a duty of care towards their customers as well as their staff. We should be contacted to make sure, do you need some support, do you need some counseling?” These remarks underscore a broader debate about the protocols airlines should follow in the wake of such distressing events.
While Qatar Airways maintains that its crew’s actions were in full compliance with established procedures, the incident has sparked an important conversation about passenger care during in-flight emergencies. As investigations continue and more details emerge, the airline’s commitment to improving its support protocols remains a foc
