Qatar Airways Sued for $5 Million After Flight Attendant Triggered Child’s Severe Allergic Reaction
(Archyde.com) – In a shocking incident unfolding across international headlines, Qatar Airways is facing a $5 million lawsuit from a North Carolina mother, Swetha Neerukonda, after a flight attendant allegedly administered a life-threatening allergen to her 3-year-old daughter during a flight on April 9, 2025. This breaking news story highlights the critical importance of airline awareness regarding passenger allergies and the potential consequences of negligence. The incident, which occurred during a flight from Virginia to India with a layover in Doha, Qatar, has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about airline safety protocols. This article is optimized for Google News and SEO to provide immediate access to vital information.
The Incident: A Chocolate Bar and a Life-Threatening Reaction
According to a complaint filed on October 31st, Neerukonda repeatedly informed Qatar Airways crew members about her daughter’s severe allergies to both milk and nuts before and during the 14-hour flight. She specifically alerted a crew member responsible for noting passenger allergies. While needing to use the restroom, Neerukonda entrusted her daughter to a flight attendant, again emphasizing the critical allergy information. Upon her return, she discovered the flight attendant had given her child a Kit Kat chocolate bar – a product containing milk.
The flight attendant allegedly admitted to giving the chocolate and, disturbingly, “mocked” and “minimized” Neerukonda’s concerns. This alleged behavior, as described by the family’s lawyer, Abram Bohrer, is “inconceivable.” The child immediately began experiencing a severe anaphylactic shock, with her condition rapidly deteriorating. Neerukonda was forced to administer her daughter’s EpiPen, an epinephrine auto-injector, to stabilize her.
Lack of Support and Continued Medical Crisis
Adding to the distress, Neerukonda claims the flight attendants offered little to no assistance during the emergency. Bohrer stated, “One might expect that they would have immediately mobilized, requesting telemedicine support on the ground and the presence of a doctor on board. But they appeared rather blasé, very indifferent.”
Despite initial stabilization with the EpiPen, the child suffered a second anaphylactic shock upon arrival in India, requiring emergency room treatment and a two-day stay in intensive care. The complaint details the “great pain, agony and moral distress” endured by the child, with the potential for long-term consequences.
Food Allergies and Air Travel: A Growing Concern
This incident isn’t isolated. Food allergies are increasingly common, and air travel presents unique challenges for those affected. According to the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), approximately 8% of children in the United States have food allergies. Traveling with allergies requires meticulous planning, including:
- Pre-Flight Communication: Contacting the airline well in advance to discuss allergy needs.
- Bringing Safe Food: Packing all necessary meals and snacks to avoid relying on airline food.
- Epinephrine Auto-Injector: Always carrying an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) and knowing how to use it.
- Medical Identification: Wearing a medical identification bracelet or necklace.
- Wipe Down Surfaces: Cleaning tray tables and armrests with disinfectant wipes.
Many airlines now offer allergy-friendly meal options, but cross-contamination remains a significant risk. Advocacy groups are pushing for stricter airline policies regarding allergen awareness and emergency preparedness.
Legal Implications and Qatar Airways’ Response
Neerukonda is seeking $5 million in damages from Qatar Airways, alleging negligence and seeking compensation for her daughter’s suffering. As of this writing, Qatar Airways has not issued an official statement regarding the lawsuit. This case could set a precedent for future airline liability in cases involving allergic reactions and passenger safety. The outcome will likely influence how airlines address and manage food allergy concerns moving forward.
The legal battle is expected to be closely watched by both the travel industry and allergy advocacy groups, potentially leading to enhanced safety regulations and increased accountability for airlines. Archyde.com will continue to provide updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.
