**Couple’s Shock as Deceased Passenger Placed Next to Them on Qatar Airways Flight**
An Australian couple, Mitchell Ring and Jennifer Colin, were left traumatised on a recent journey with Qatar Airways when a fellow passenger passed away during the flight from Melbourne to Doha. The couple, en route to Venice for a dream holiday, recounted the distressing experience of having the deceased woman’s body placed next to Mr Ring for the remaining four hours of the journey. The cabin crew, as claimed by the couple, covered the deceased woman in blankets and positioned her next to Mr Ring without offering to relocate him, despite available seats on the plane.
Qatar Airways has since issued an apology for the incident, expressing regret for any inconvenience or distress caused. They have stated that they are in the process of reaching out to the passengers involved. However, Mitchell Ring and Jennifer Colin revealed that they had not received any contact or support from either Qatar Airways or Qantas, the airline through which they booked their flight. They are advocating for a protocol to be established to ensure that passengers are given proper care in such unforeseen circumstances.
During an interview with Channel Nine’s Current Affair programme, Mr Ring mentioned that the cabin crew reacted promptly when the woman collapsed, but unfortunately, she could not be revived. The crew attempted to move the deceased woman towards the business class area but encountered difficulties due to her size, ultimately leaving her next to Mr Ring. Despite available seats, the crew did not offer to move Mr Ring before placing the deceased passenger in the seat he was initially occupying.
As the flight came to an end after four hours, passengers were instructed to remain seated as medical personnel and police entered the aircraft to attend to the situation. Mr Ring witnessed the solemn moment when the blankets were removed from the deceased woman, revealing her face. The couple stressed the importance of a duty of care towards both passengers and crew members in such circumstances, emphasising the necessity for proper support and counselling for those involved.
Qatar Airways, in response to the incident, conveyed their condolences to the family of the deceased passenger and reiterated their apology for any distress caused. The airline assured that they were following their standard procedures by contacting passengers affected by the incident. A representative from Qantas clarified that the primary responsibility for managing such incidents rests with the operating airline, in this case, Qatar Airways.
Barry Eustance, an ex-Virgin Atlantic captain, highlighted that in-flight deaths are not uncommon and raised the lack of a specific protocol for handling such situations. He explained the challenges faced by the crew in accommodating a deceased passenger during the flight, given the limited options available onboard. Mr Eustance expressed surprise at the crew’s decision not to relocate Mr Ring despite the presence of vacant seats, stressing the importance of respecting both the deceased individual and the comfort of nearby passengers.
The ordeal experienced by Mitchell Ring and Jennifer Colin sheds light on the need for clear protocols and compassionate responses in handling delicate situations during air travel. The couple’s call for improved procedures to support passengers and crew members facing such distressing incidents underscores the significance of prioritising passenger welfare and empathy in the aviation industry. Qatar Airways’ apology and promise to review their procedures reflect an acknowledgment of the importance of addressing such challenges and ensuring the well-being of all passengers under their care.