Qatar Airways Faces Backlash After Corpse Incident on Long-Haul Flight
Talk about a flight that took a dark turn! Qatar Airways is in hot water after a vacationing couple endured a harrowing experience on a flight from Melbourne to Doha. Imagine this: you’re heading off for a fun getaway and suddenly, without warning, a deceased passenger is seated right next to you for four agonizing hours. That’s exactly what happened to Mitchell Ring and Jennifer Colin, who found themselves sharing their row with a corpse covered by a blanket after a woman tragically passed away mid-flight.
According to the couple, instead of being offered different seats, Ring was simply asked to scoot over so the deceased could take his spot. “It was surreal, and quite honestly, utterly disrespectful,” Ring recounted. While Qatar Airways defended its crew, stating they “acted quickly, appropriately and professionally,” the couple’s account raises eyebrows, especially considering Qatar’s claim that other seats were available and a crew member kept vigil next to the body.
In the airline’s statement, they emphasized that such onboard deaths, which they described as an “unfortunate reality,” are part of their training and operations protocols. They also reached out to the deceased’s family and promised support and compensation to the affected passengers. However, Qatar remained tight-lipped about the compensation specifics when pressed by TMZ for details.
To add to the discomfort, Ring and Colin didn’t even mention that a crew member joined them in the row—as Qatar suggested—leading many to wonder if their response was just PR fluff. The couple admitted to being traumatized but are determined to salvage their Italian vacation despite the gruesome flying experience.
This incident serves as a jarring reminder of the realities of air travel. A study from the *Journal of Aviation Management and Education* highlights that, while onboard deaths are rare, incidents do occasionally occur, often leading to stressful situations for both crew and passengers. And let’s face it, who really wants to deal with a corpse when you’re just trying to enjoy in-flight snacks?
Here’s hoping Ring and Colin can shake off the chill and enjoy a pasta-filled escape—far from airborne drama!
Sources: Celebrity Storm and TMZ, People Magazine, Journal of Aviation Management and Education
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