Peach Aviation airplane. The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Bong-ju] A passenger on a domestic flight in Japan caused a disturbance by refusing to wear a mask, leading to an emergency landing of the aircraft.
According to Kyodo News, the incident occurred on the afternoon of the 7th on a Peach Aviation flight departing from Kushiro Airport in Hokkaido bound for Kansai Airport.
The man refused to wear a mask even before takeoff, causing a 45-minute delay in departure, and after takeoff, he shouted and threatened the flight attendants.
He also shouted at other passengers and caused a disturbance, ultimately forcing the captain to make an emergency landing at Niigata Airport, which was midway along the route, and forcibly remove the passenger.
The captain regarded the loud and threatening behavior during the flight as a safety violation under aviation law.
Peach Aviation stated, "Wearing a mask is not mandatory, but we will continue to request passengers to wear them for safety."
Kyodo News reported that this is the first time in Japan that a passenger plane has made an emergency landing due to a mask-related issue.
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