EgyptAir Faces $5 Million Lawsuit Over In-Flight Hot Tea Burn Incident

A U.S. resident has filed a lawsuit against EgyptAir for $5 million, citing severe injuries suffered during an international flight due to a hot tea spill. The incident, which occurred on February 18, 2024, involved a 35-year-old passenger traveling from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Cairo International Airport (CAI), Egypt. The complainant asserts that the accident resulted in “severe” and “permanent” burns to her lower abdomen, right inner thigh, and buttocks, prompting the legal claim.

Details of the Lawsuit

The legal action, filed in Brooklyn federal court, accuses EgyptAir of negligence, claiming that the incident could have been prevented with proper safety measures. The passenger’s attorney highlighted several factors that allegedly contributed to the incident. Notably, the cabin crew reportedly served the tea just before unexpected turbulence, without providing a lid to secure the beverage.

During the turbulence, the tea spilled, causing significant injuries. The lawsuit contends that EgyptAir’s crew failed to anticipate potential risks associated with the turbulence, which the crew was allegedly aware of. The passenger’s legal representation argues that a simple safety measure, such as a lid on the cup, could have significantly minimized the risk of burns.

Claims of Negligence in Safety Protocols

The lawsuit raises questions about the actions—or lack thereof—taken by EgyptAir’s crew in response to the turbulent conditions. According to the passenger’s attorney, the crew continued with beverage service and did not warn passengers about potential turbulence, even though it was reportedly anticipated. This alleged lack of precaution led to the hot tea spilling onto the passenger, who suffered extensive burns.

The complainant’s attorney specifically emphasized that providing lids for hot beverages or delaying service could have been sufficient to prevent the injury, pointing to what they describe as a “basic” lapse in safety measures by EgyptAir’s crew.

Equipment and Maintenance Concerns

Photo by Alan Wilson

The lawsuit also addresses issues regarding the maintenance of aircraft equipment. It asserts that the passenger’s seat tray was faulty, allegedly failing to sit level, which prevented the cup from being securely positioned. The complaint further claims that multiple seat trays on the aircraft were in disrepair, making the passenger’s tray particularly susceptible to causing spills.

By highlighting this defective equipment, the lawsuit argues that EgyptAir’s negligence extended beyond the lack of turbulence warning and inadequate safety procedures, further increasing the risk of harm to passengers.

Demands and Current Status of the Case

Photo by Lord of the Wings

The passenger is seeking $5 million in damages for pain, emotional distress, and the long-term impact of the burns. The complaint claims that the injuries have resulted in ongoing physical and psychological effects, with the passenger enduring what is described as severe discomfort and distress.

In response to the case, the court has appointed an expert to assess the extent of the injuries and the potential for long-term physical consequences. As of now, EgyptAir has not publicly commented on the case or the allegations made in the hot tea spill lawsuit.