Mitchell Ring and Jennifer Colin, who experienced a traumatic incident on a Qatar Airways flight, are calling for better protocols to support passengers affected by onboard tragedies. The couple lamented the lack of communication and assistance following the incident, highlighting the need for a duty of care in the airline industry.
Passenger Incident Haunts Australian Couple on Qatar Airways Flight
Passenger Incident Haunts Australian Couple on Qatar Airways Flight
An Australian couple recounts the trauma of having a deceased passenger's body placed beside them during a Qatar Airways flight, raising questions about airline protocols and passenger care.
An Australian couple has shared their distressing experience aboard a Qatar Airways flight, where the body of a deceased passenger was placed beside them. Mitchell Ring and Jennifer Colin were en route to Venice when the tragic incident unfolded during their flight from Melbourne to Doha. They recounted to Australia’s Channel 9 how a woman had collapsed in the aisle next to them, ultimately passing away.
Despite there being other empty seats, the cabin crew placed the body, covered in blankets, beside Mr. Ring for the last four hours of the journey without offering to move him. Qatar Airways extended their apologies for the distress caused and stated they were in the process of reaching out to affected passengers. However, the couple expressed disappointment at not being contacted directly or offered any form of support from the airline or through the travel booking with Qantas.
Mr. Ring described the harrowing moment when the cabin crew attempted to move the deceased woman’s body to business class. He noted that the crew reacted swiftly when she collapsed but ultimately could not revive her. His request to move to an alternate seat was not facilitated, while Ms. Colin managed to relocate to a nearby empty seat.
Upon landing, passengers were kept on board as medical staff and police boarded the aircraft to attend to the situation. Subsequently, Mr. Ring witnessed the retrieval of blankets from the deceased woman, further compounding the emotional toll of the experience.
The couple emphasized the necessity for airlines to implement standard protocols for ensuring the well-being of passengers in such dire circumstances. Ms. Colin articulated her feelings, calling the ordeal "traumatic" while acknowledging that holding the airline accountable for the woman's death was unreasonable.
After the incident, Qatar Airways acknowledged the need for better processes, reaffirming their condolences to the deceased's family. Meanwhile, a representative from Qantas indicated that the responsibility for handling in-flight incidents rests with the operating airline, which in this case, was Qatar Airways.
The emotional ramifications of this incident have prompted discussions among travelers about the need for improved protocols within the airline industry, particularly for supporting passengers during unforeseen tragedies encountered on flights.
