Qatar Airways Faces $5 Million Lawsuit Over Child’s In-Flight Allergic Reaction

A North Carolina mother is suing Qatar Airways for $5 million. The lawsuit stems from a severe allergic reaction her three-year-old daughter suffered on a flight. The incident occurred in October 2024 during a journey from Washington, D.C., to India.

The mother, Swetha Neerukonda, alleges the airline’s crew ignored her warnings and fed her daughter a chocolate bar. The child has a documented, life-threatening allergy to dairy. This case raises serious questions about airline protocols for passengers with severe allergies.

Crew Allegedly Mocked Mother’s Concerns

Neerukonda took all recommended precautions. She informed the cabin crew of her daughter’s severe dairy and nut allergies upon boarding. She repeated the warning before briefly leaving her seat to use the lavatory.

Upon returning, she found a flight attendant had given her daughter a Kit Kat. The mother immediately confronted the crew member. According to the legal complaint, the attendant responded with mockery instead of offering help.

The child quickly went into anaphylactic shock. Neerukonda had to administer her own EpiPen while the crew reportedly failed to assist. The lawsuit claims the crew then prevented the mother from speaking with a witness.

Medical Crisis and Lasting Trauma

The emergency treatment stabilized the girl for the remainder of the flight to Doha. The family then boarded their connecting flight to India. The ordeal was not over, however.

Upon landing in India, the child suffered another severe allergic reaction. She required immediate emergency hospitalization. The lawsuit details the “great pain, agony and mental anguish” endured by the young girl.

The legal action seeks $5 million in damages for the family’s trauma. It also demands a jury trial and coverage of all associated legal fees. According to The Independent, the family’s attorney called the airline’s actions “inconceivable.”

Airline Allergy Policies Under Microscope

This lawsuit highlights a critical gap in airline safety protocols. Qatar Airways’ own allergy policy states it cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment. Passengers are advised to carry their own medication and may need to sign waivers.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows medical emergencies are not rare. They happen on about one in every 604 flights. Diversions for medical reasons, however, are uncommon.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules require emergency medical kits. These kits must include epinephrine. But airlines are not required to carry specific EpiPen auto-injectors. Crew training on administering such medication is also limited without a medical professional present.

A Broader Call for Accountability and Change

This is not the only recent health-related lawsuit against the airline. Another case involves a vegetarian passenger who allegedly died after being served meat. Together, these incidents put airline accountability in the spotlight.

Advocacy groups argue for stricter crew training and clearer communication. The safety of vulnerable passengers, especially children, must be a higher priority. Airlines face increasing pressure to update their outdated policies.

A legal precedent from this case could force the entire industry to change. Better training and mandatory emergency equipment might become standard. For now, the burden of safety remains heavily on passengers.

The outcome of this lawsuit could significantly impact how global airlines handle passenger allergies, pushing for stricter protocols and heightened crew accountability to prevent similar tragedies.

Thought you’d like to know

What exactly is the family suing Qatar Airways for?

The family is seeking $5 million in damages. They allege the airline’s crew was negligent by feeding their allergic daughter a Kit Kat and failing to help during the resulting medical emergency.

What is Qatar Airways’ official policy on allergies?

The airline states it cannot guarantee a nut-free or allergen-free environment. It advises passengers with allergies to carry their own medication and necessary documentation for travel.

Are airlines required to carry EpiPens?

No, they are not. The FAA mandates emergency medical kits with epinephrine. However, specific EpiPen auto-injectors are not a required component of these kits on all flights.

How common are in-flight medical emergencies?

They are relatively common. The CDC estimates a medical emergency occurs on roughly one in every 604 commercial flights. Only a small percentage of these incidents lead to a diversion.

What should you do if you have a severe allergy and need to fly?

Notify the airline in advance and again at the gate and upon boarding. Carry multiple epinephrine auto-injectors in your carry-on. Wipe down your seating area and consider bringing your own safe food.

Trusted Sources

The Independent, Reuters, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).