A Singapore Airlines (SIA) flight from Germany to the United States was forced to make an emergency landing in France after a passenger with a known shrimp allergy was allegedly served a meal containing shrimp. The incident, which occurred on October 8, 2024, has led to a federal lawsuit against the airline for negligence.
Doreen Benary, a 41-year-old business class passenger, has filed the lawsuit on June 17, 2025, claiming that she informed the flight attendants of her shrimp allergy prior to the flight. According to the complaint, despite her warnings, a flight attendant served her a meal that contained shrimp, resulting in her feeling ill “nearly immediately” after consumption.
Emergency Medical Response
Upon questioning the flight attendant about the meal, Benary was reportedly told that an error had been made, and the attendant apologised. Unfortunately, Benary’s condition worsened, and she fell “violently ill,” prompting the aircraft to make an emergency diversion to Paris, France. There, she received “painful” emergency medical treatment at two separate facilities.
The lawsuit alleges that SIA’s negligence constituted a breach of its duty of care and violated its own safety protocols. As a result, Benary claims to have suffered “great pain, agony, and mental anguish,” in addition to incurring economic losses due to the incident.
Lack of EpiPen Information
The complaint does not clarify whether Benary was carrying an EpiPen, a device used to treat severe allergic reactions by delivering a quick dose of epinephrine. This detail could be significant in assessing the airline’s liability and the passenger’s preparedness for managing her allergy.
As the lawsuit progresses, it highlights the critical need for airlines to adhere strictly to safety protocols and effectively communicate with passengers regarding their dietary restrictions to prevent similar incidents in the future.