Qatar Airways: Crew handled dead body on flight 'appropriately'

Qatar Airways has stated that an internal review found its crew acted "quickly, appropriately, and professionally" when placing the body of a woman who died mid-flight next to an Australian couple. The statement was released by the airline to the BBC on Friday, after the couple told Australia's Channel Nine that their experience on the Melbourne to Doha flight was deeply distressing. The airline aims to improve its services and address passengers' concerns.

Previously, Qatar Airways issued a statement apologizing for "any inconvenience or distress this incident may have caused." The incident has sparked discussions about procedures for handling deaths on airplanes. Mitchell Ring and Jennifer Colin, who were traveling to Venice for a vacation, said that during the 14-hour flight, the crew placed the deceased, covered with a blanket, next to Mr. Ring for four hours. The incident highlights the need for clear protocols and compassionate handling of such sensitive situations.

According to Mr. Ring's description, the woman suddenly collapsed and died in the aisle next to them. Afterward, the crew attempted to move her body to the business class area but were unsuccessful because "she was a large lady and couldn't fit through the aisle." They then asked Mr. Ring to switch seats and placed the woman in his original seat. While Ms. Colin was invited by another passenger to sit in a seat across the aisle, Mr. Ring stated that despite there being empty seats around, the airline staff did not proactively offer to move him elsewhere. The airline could have provided more support and sensitivity during this difficult time.

Qatar Airways said on Friday that the crew's handling of the woman's death was "in accordance with training and industry standard practice." The statement said: "Passengers were moved to other seats, and the deceased passenger was continuously accompanied by a member of the crew throughout the flight until the aircraft landed in Doha." The airline also stated: "The unfortunate reality is that deaths do occasionally occur in-flight in the aviation industry, and our crew are highly trained to manage these situations with as much respect and dignity as possible." The airline emphasizes the importance of training and adherence to industry standards.

The airline also stated that they have offered support and compensation to the deceased's family and other passengers directly affected by the incident. Ms. Colin said in a television interview with Channel Nine: "We completely understand that we can't hold the airline responsible for the poor lady passing away, but surely there has to be a protocol in place after that to look after the passengers on board." Mr. Ring said that upon landing, passengers were asked to remain in their seats while medical personnel and police boarded the plane. Paramedics then began to lift the blanket covering the deceased, and he saw her face. He said: "I couldn't believe they made us stay there." He added that he thought they should have let the passengers off the plane first before medical personnel handled the body. The couple's experience highlights the need for improved passenger care and communication during such incidents.

Former Virgin Atlantic pilot Barry Eustance earlier told the BBC that, in his experience, "crews would normally try to isolate the body so passengers aren't in contact with the body and vice versa, out of respect and privacy, and for medical reasons." The International Air Transport Association (IATA) guidelines on handling deaths on aircraft recommend that the deceased should be moved to a seat, preferably one with no other passengers nearby, and covered up to the neck with a blanket or body bag. The body can also be moved to another area that does not obstruct aisles or exits. The association recommends that other passengers should disembark the aircraft first after landing before the body is handled by local authorities. These guidelines emphasize the importance of respect, privacy, and proper procedures in managing in-flight deaths.