A couple has described their “traumatic” ordeal after they had to sit next to a deceased passenger for four hours during an international Qatar Airways flight to Venice, Italy.
Mitchell Ring and Jennifer Colin shared with Australia’s A Current Affair that a passenger suddenly collapsed after leaving the restroom mid-flight. Despite attempts to revive the woman, she passed away next to their seating row.
According to Ring, the airline crew struggled to move the body due to aisle limitations and eventually asked him to shift seats. The deceased passenger was then placed directly next to him and Colin, where the couple remained seated for the rest of the journey. They were reportedly not offered alternative seating despite available empty seats elsewhere.
Ring recounted his discomfort upon landing, noting ambulance personnel uncovered the passenger’s face beside him, further intensifying the distressing experience.
Although understanding that the airline was not responsible for the passenger’s death, Colin emphasized the importance of having proper protocols to safeguard passengers’ emotional well-being during such incidents.
The couple expressed disappointment at Qatar Airways’ lack of follow-up communication. In response, Qatar Airways issued an apology, confirming they are reaching out to affected passengers in accordance with their established procedures.
