Overview

• Dr. Asoka Jayaweera, 85, had preordered a vegetarian meal for a June 30, 2023 Los Angeles–Colombo flight but was told no options remained and to “eat around” the meat, according to the complaint.
• He began choking while eating, cabin crew provided first aid and consulted MedAire, and the aircraft diverted to Edinburgh where he was hospitalized and later died on August 3 of aspiration pneumonia.
• His son, Surya Jayaweera, filed a wrongful-death lawsuit alleging negligence in both the meal service and the in-flight medical response.
• Court filings invoke the Montreal Convention and reporters note treaty compensation parameters of roughly $175,000 for onboard deaths and injuries.
• Coverage says the case is drawing scrutiny of airlines’ handling of dietary accommodations and medical emergencies, and Qatar Airways has not provided comment in reports.