Qatar Airways Defends Crew After Passenger Death Onboard

An Australian couple claims they were forced to sit next to a deceased passenger for hours, while the airline insists its crew followed proper protocols.

Mitchell Ring and Jennifer Colin allege they were seated next to a deceased passenger for the final four hours of their Qatar Airways flight from Melbourne to Doha.
The airline stated its crew acted professionally and in accordance with industry standards, moving the deceased to an available seat and assigning a crew member to sit nearby.
The couple disputes the airline’s account, claiming they were not offered alternative seating and received no direct emotional support from the airline post-flight.
Qatar Airways expressed sympathy for all affected parties and confirmed it has been in contact with the deceased passenger's family and impacted travelers, offering compensation and support.
Experts note that deaths during flights, while rare, are an acknowledged possibility, and airlines have established protocols to handle such situations with dignity and minimal disruption.