Qatar Airways Hit with Lawsuit After Passenger Allegedly Died Mid-Flight to N.Y.C. Following Severe Allergic Reaction

The family of a 16-year-old boy who tragically died while on a Qatar Airways flight has launched a legal suit alleging negligence on the part of the airline and its associated medical service. Jason Hu’s family claims that his death was the result of a severe allergic reaction triggered by a sandwich served during the flight, which they contend was not safe for him despite prior warnings.

The lawsuit, filed on 14 July 2024 in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, relates to an incident that reportedly took place on 21 August. Jason was travelling with his father, Eric Hu, and his sister, Erica, on their return journey to the United States after a trip to China. Their itinerary included a connecting flight from Doha, Qatar, to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).

The Hu family asserts that Jason suffered from known food allergies, specifically to peanuts, dairy, and fish. They maintain that both Eric and Jason informed the flight crew about these allergies before the meal service. However, the family alleges that the airline staff assured them that the sandwich provided was safe for Jason to consume.

Following the meal, Jason began to experience severe breathing difficulties. According to the complaint, he collapsed shortly after eating the sandwich and attempted to use a nebuliser, which failed to alleviate his condition. The family claims a flight crew member then administered an injection, the nature of which remains unspecified, but it too was ineffective in providing relief.

The complaint further alleges that the airline’s medical equipment, including a portable oxygen tank, was found to be non-operational. Consequently, Jason was left without adequate medical assistance during a critical period. It is claimed that he was left “laid out behind his father and sister” for the rest of the flight, still wearing a non-functioning oxygen mask, and was pronounced dead upon arrival at JFK.

Now, Eric Hu and co-administrator Jenny Nguyen are pursuing compensatory damages from both Qatar Airways and MedAire, a company that offers medical and travel safety services. The suit alleges that the airline failed to maintain operational medical equipment necessary for emergencies and that MedAire did not provide sufficient medical advice to the flight crew during the crisis.

The Hu family is seeking a jury trial, holding both parties accountable for what they deem a failure to prioritise safety and health in a critical moment. The case raises significant concerns over airline passenger safety standards, particularly for those with known medical conditions.

As the case unfolds, PEOPLE reached out to the Hu family’s attorney, as well as representatives from Qatar Airways and MedAire, but responses have yet to be provided.

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing dialogue regarding allergic safety measures in the aviation sector and calls into question the protocols airlines have in place to manage medical emergencies. The outcome of the lawsuit may have implications for how airlines handle food allergies and medical equipment in the future, reinforcing the need for rigorous safety standards.

As more details emerge from the investigation and subsequent legal proceedings, the Hu family hopes to bring attention to the importance of proper training for airline staff and reliable medical equipment aboard flights. The devastation of losing a loved one under such circumstances only amplifies the urgency for changes in policy to protect passengers with severe allergies during air travel.