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Mother Files $5 Million Suit Against Qatar Airways Over Toddler’s Severe Allergy Reaction

The federal complaint describes lapses in crew response, spotlighting gaps in in-flight allergy protections.

Overview

  • Swetha Neerukonda alleges a Qatar Airways flight attendant fed her 3-year-old a chocolate bar after repeated warnings about severe dairy and nut allergies.
  • The child went into anaphylaxis on flight QR710 from Washington Dulles to Doha, prompting the mother to administer an EpiPen as the girl's condition deteriorated.
  • The lawsuit says no public address call for medical assistance was made and describes the crew as indifferent, with a flight attendant allegedly mocking the mother's concerns.
  • After continuing on to India, the child suffered a second reaction and was hospitalized in intensive care for two days, according to the complaint.
  • Filed Oct. 31 in federal court in Alexandria, Virginia, the suit seeks $5 million in damages; Qatar Airways had not provided an immediate comment as reports noted FAA rules do not require onboard EpiPens.