Female Passenger Causes Disturbance on Hong Kong Flight
Plane Takeoff Delayed by Over 70 Minutes
On a Hong Kong-bound flight, a female passenger caused a disturbance by insisting, "I cannot sit apart from my boyfriend," resulting in the plane's takeoff being delayed by over an hour.
"Change my seat to be next to my boyfriend"... Physical altercation on board
According to recent reports from the South China Morning Post (SCMP) and others, on November 2, a female passenger on a Hong Kong Express Airways low-cost flight protested to the crew about her seat assignment and caused a scene. The woman, referred to as Ms. A, demanded to change seats so she could sit with her boyfriend, Mr. B. When the crew explained that it was not possible due to procedures, she shouted and pushed a crew member.
During the incident, three crew members intervened to restrain her, resulting in a physical altercation. Video footage taken by another passenger at the scene shows Ms. A shouting and being restrained in the narrow aisle.
It was reported that the couple had already caused a disturbance with a heated argument in the airport waiting area before boarding. The female passenger claimed, "My boyfriend assaulted me 40 times," while the boyfriend countered, "She was unfaithful."
The airline determined that safe operation was not possible and, following protocol, forcibly removed both Ms. A and Mr. B from the plane before takeoff. As a result, the flight's departure was delayed by approximately 71 minutes from the scheduled time. Hong Kong Express stated, "Our crew responded calmly according to the safety manual," and added, "We apologize to all passengers inconvenienced by the delay."
Increasing Incidents of 'In-flight Disturbances'
With incidents of passenger disturbances on planes occurring more frequently, there are growing calls for measures such as blacklisting passengers with a history of violent behavior on board and refusing them boarding. In June, a woman in her 40s was arrested by police after causing a disturbance on a flight from Gimpo to Jeju. She reportedly kicked a female crew member and threatened, "You killed me 10 years ago! Get out before I kill you," while shouting.
According to the Aviation Security Act, committing acts of violence or causing disturbances on an aircraft can result in up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million won. In particular, if a crew member is assaulted and the operation or security of the aircraft is compromised, the offender can face up to 10 years in prison.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
