Emirates passenger who attacked staff has jail term upheld

DUBAI // An Emirates passenger who was jailed for a year for attacking flight attendants after he panicked and tried to open the aircraft’s door as it was taxiing for take off has had his sentence upheld by the Dubai Court of Appeals.

Pakistani Q A, 29, who works as a farmer in Al Ain, was convicted of assaulting three members of staff, endangering the lives of other passengers, and using violence.

C C, 25, a Portuguese flight attendant, said that on June 12 last year the Emirates flight was taxiing to the runway when Q A got out of his seat and walked up to her.

“He wanted to get off the plane, so I told him to be seated as the plane was moving and would take off, but he refused and pushed me to try to open the door,” she said.

Two male attendants came to help, but Q A punched one of them in the chest and shoved the other out of the way to try to reach the door handle.

“He didn’t say why he wanted to get off the plane, he just insisted he get off,” said C C, who was also kicked in the leg by Q A while trying to control him.

“He was moving a lot and pointing to the door, so we asked him to sit but he didn’t. We informed the captain, who reported the matter and the plane was brought to a stop. Then policemen came and arrested him,” said attendant S S, 30.

Q A will be deported after completing his jail term.