A New York-based paediatrician, Dr Doreen Benary, has initiated a lawsuit against Singapore Airlines (SIA) following a serious incident on a flight where she was allegedly served shrimp, despite informing the crew of her shellfish allergy. The incident occurred on 8 October 2024 during flight SQ026 from Frankfurt to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.
Details of the Incident
Upon boarding the aircraft, Dr Benary communicated her allergy to the cabin crew. However, she was served a meal containing shrimp without her knowledge. As she consumed the meal, she detected the shrimp and immediately began to feel unwell. According to court documents, she approached a crew member who admitted the mistake and apologised.
Emergency Diversion
- Dr Benary suffered a severe allergic reaction, compelling the flight crew to divert the aircraft to Paris.
- She received emergency medical treatment at two hospitals, highlighting the severity of her condition.
- She claims the incident led to great pain, mental anguish, and economic loss.
Claims Made by Dr Benary
In her lawsuit, Dr Benary seeks “full, fair, and reasonable damages” along with associated costs. She describes a significant impact on her life, stating that she believes she will continue to be deprived of her enjoyment of life and daily pursuits due to this experience.
Reactions and Safe Practices
In response to inquiries, SIA has stated that they cannot comment on ongoing legal matters. The airline has a responsibility to accommodate passengers’ dietary restrictions, making the situation particularly concerning.
Food allergies can lead to serious symptoms, from mild irritations to life-threatening reactions. For those at risk, carrying an EpiPen or other auto-injectors is crucial during travel.
This incident raises awareness regarding the importance of clearly communicating allergies while travelling, and ensures that airlines uphold safety protocols to protect their passengers.