4 Shocking Incidents And The Secret Procedures When A Passenger Dies On Qatar Airways

The reality of long-haul air travel often includes unexpected medical emergencies, but few are as shocking or complex as a passenger death mid-flight. As of today, December 18, 2025, Qatar Airways, one of the world's leading carriers, has been at the center of several high-profile incidents involving deceased passengers, leading to intense scrutiny over crew training, in-flight protocols, and the handling of human remains at 40,000 feet.

These events range from tragic natural causes on recent 2024 flights to controversial handling procedures and even a multi-million dollar wrongful death lawsuit, forcing the public to confront the grim logistics of dealing with a "dead body" on a fully booked international flight. The airline maintains that its staff are equipped to manage such situations with professionalism and dignity, adhering to international guidelines, yet the details of these incidents paint a challenging picture for both the crew and fellow passengers.

The Tragic 2024 Flight: The Death of Mahasen Mohamed

One of the most recent and widely reported incidents occurred on October 31, 2024, aboard Qatar Airways Flight QR731, traveling from Doha (DOH) to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).

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The flight experienced an unexpected medical emergency involving a 63-year-old female passenger, Mahasen Mohamed.

Despite the efforts of the crew and medical assistance, the passenger tragically passed away mid-flight.

Officials later released details confirming the cause of death as a pulmonary issue, specifically a pulmonary embolism.

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This incident highlights the ever-present risk of health complications during long-haul travel, where changes in air pressure and prolonged immobility can exacerbate pre-existing conditions.

The flight's arrival in Dallas triggered immediate emergency responses, with first responders and airport officials dispatched to the aircraft to manage the situation and confirm the death.

The Controversial Handling: Couple Seated Next to a Deceased Passenger

Perhaps the most sensational incident that brought Qatar Airways' in-flight death protocols into the global spotlight involved a couple, Mitchell Ring and Jennifer Colin.

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They were traveling on a flight from Melbourne when a fellow passenger collapsed and died mid-air.

The core of the controversy was the placement of the deceased passenger. Due to a lack of available space, the body was reportedly moved to a seat directly next to the couple and covered with blankets for the final four hours of the flight.

The couple spoke out about their distress, describing the experience as deeply uncomfortable and shocking.

In response, Qatar Airways defended its crew's actions, stating that their staff handled the "unfortunate reality" of an unexpected death with as much respect and dignity as possible, and that they followed international guidelines for such emergencies.

This case sparked a major debate on the standard operating procedures (SOP) for managing a corpse on a full flight, especially regarding the dignity of the deceased and the psychological impact on surrounding passengers.

Wrongful Death Lawsuits: The Choking Incidents

Beyond natural medical emergencies, Qatar Airways has faced serious legal scrutiny over passenger deaths allegedly linked to crew negligence, particularly concerning dietary requirements.

The Case of the 85-Year-Old Vegetarian

The airline is currently facing a wrongful death lawsuit in the United States involving an 85-year-old passenger who was a strict vegetarian.

During a flight, the passenger was allegedly served a non-vegetarian meal, despite having pre-ordered a special vegetarian option.

When the passenger pointed out the error, the flight crew reportedly advised him to simply "eat around" the meat.

Tragically, the passenger choked on the meal and died mid-flight.

The lawsuit claims that the airline's negligence in serving the incorrect meal and the crew's inadequate response were the direct causes of death, putting a spotlight on the critical importance of catering to special dietary needs on international flights.

The Cardiologist's Choking Death

A similar, separate incident in 2023 involved a veteran cardiologist from California, Dr. Asoka Jayaweera, who died after choking on a Qatar Airways flight to Sri Lanka.

The family's subsequent lawsuit pointed to the airline's handling of the in-flight medical emergency as a contributing factor to the cardiologist's death.

These lawsuits underscore the legal liabilities airlines face when in-flight medical or operational failures lead to a fatality.

Qatar Airways' Official Procedures for In-Flight Death

When a passenger dies on a commercial flight, airlines like Qatar Airways must follow strict, though often grim, international protocols. These procedures are designed to ensure dignity, safety, and compliance with legal requirements.

• Medical Confirmation: The first step is for the crew, often with the assistance of any medical professionals on board, to confirm the passenger's death. Modern aircraft often carry advanced medical kits and have access to ground-based medical support via satellite communication.
• Securing the Body: The ideal protocol is to move the deceased to a separate, discreet area of the aircraft, such as a crew rest area or a business/first-class seat if available and empty.
• The "Last Resort": If the flight is full, as was the case with the Melbourne incident, the deceased may be secured in their seat as a last resort, covered with blankets, and kept away from public view as much as possible.
• Body Bags (or Lack Thereof): While some airlines carry body bags (often called "coffin kits" or "mortality kits"), the use and availability can vary. Older SOPs sometimes suggested carrying a body bag on any long-haul flight.
• Post-Landing Protocol: Upon landing, the aircraft is typically met by medical examiners, law enforcement, and airport officials. The death is formally declared, and the repatriation process for the remains begins, which is a complex legal and logistical process handled by the airline and the respective embassies.

The repeated incidents involving Qatar Airways highlight the delicate balance between passenger comfort, crew training, and the unfortunate necessity of managing death in the confined space of a jet cabin. While the airline is generally praised for its service, these cases serve as a stark reminder of the challenges inherent in global, long-distance air travel.