A New York resident has filed a federal lawsuit against Singapore Airlines, alleging that the airline’s negligence caused her to suffer a severe allergic reaction mid-flight, forcing the plane to make an emergency diversion to Paris.
According to the complaint filed in the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York, Doreen Benary was a business class passenger on Singapore Airlines Flight SQ026 from Frankfurt to New York on October 8, 2024. The lawsuit states that Benary has a severe allergy to shrimp and explicitly warned the cabin crew of her condition.
Despite this notification, the complaint alleges a flight attendant served Benary a meal containing shrimp. After ingesting the food and realizing the mistake, the lawsuit claims Benary “questioned the flight attendant who admitted that she had made an error and apologized.”
Here is camera footage of the incident [TRIGGER WARNING]:
The court filing states that as a direct result of eating the allergen, Benary “fell violently ill, requiring the aircraft to perform an emergency diversion to Paris, France.” Upon landing, the complaint continues, she was “transported by ambulance and underwent emergency medical treatment at two separate medical facilities.”
The lawsuit accuses Singapore Airlines of negligence and frames the incident as an “accident” under the Montreal Convention, an international treaty governing airline liability. The complaint argues the event was “an unexpected or unusual event or occurrence external to the Plaintiff,” making the airline responsible for the consequences.
As a result of the ordeal, the lawsuit claims Benary “suffered great pain, agony and mental anguish” and believes she will “continue to be deprived of her enjoyment of life.” She is seeking to recover full and fair damages for her injuries and losses. The complaint demands a jury trial.
Representatives for Singapore Airlines have not yet issued a public statement regarding the pending litigation.
- Singapore Airlines flight diverted after business class passenger with severe shellfish allergy served shrimp — The Independent
- DOREEN BENARY, Plaintiff, -against- SINGAPORE AIRLINES LIMITED, Defendant(s) — UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT EASTERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK
