Dubai Flight Faces 5-Hour Delay Due to "Passenger Disruption"
A flight departing from Dubai encountered an unforeseen delay of nearly five hours attributed to a "passenger disruption".
Flight Delayed by "Passenger Disruption"
The incident occurred on a Flydubai flight, identified as FZ 1807, scheduled to travel from Dubai International (DXB) to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion (TLV). The disruption led to the flight's departure being significantly postponed, creating inconvenience for the passengers.
A video circulating on social media offers a glimpse into the incident, showcasing what appears to be a disagreement between passengers. The resulting commotion led to the congestion of passengers in the aisle, further contributing to the delay experienced by the flight.
FlyDubai's Response and Apology
In response to the incident, FlyDubai released a statement explaining that the airline engaged with relevant authorities before proceeding with departure. The flight eventually took off at 01:41 local time on August 26. The airline expressed remorse for the inconvenience caused to passengers' travel schedules and underlined their unwavering commitment to ensuring both passenger and crew safety as a top priority.
UAE's Preparedness to Handle Unruly Passengers
The incident draws attention to the preparedness of UAE-based airline crew members to manage unruly passengers. Notably, the UAE ratified the Montreal Protocol 2014 (MP14) in May, strengthening its legal framework to address disruptive passenger incidents onboard flights. This protocol grants the UAE jurisdiction to manage unruly passengers that land in the country, irrespective of the aircraft's registration.
Global increase in unruly passenger incidents
On a broader scale, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported an increase in unruly passenger incidents in 2022 compared to the previous year. The data revealed one unruly incident per 568 flights in 2022, up from one per 835 flights in 2021. Incidents were primarily categorized as non-compliance, verbal abuse, and intoxication, with physical abuse incidents remaining rare.
Passenger Responsibility and Crew Instructions
Conrad Clifford, IATA’s deputy director-general, stressed the importance of passengers adhering to crew instructions for a safe and hassle-free onboard experience. While airlines' professional crews are adept at handling unruly scenarios, it is crucial for all passengers to follow the prescribed safety protocols and crew directions.
