A passenger from Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) was arrested by the French authorities when landing in Paris after it will allegedly try to smoke on the middle flight and assault the members of the crew of the cabin, said the airline in a statement on Monday.
The incident occurred during a Paris flight from Islamabad, when according to reports, the passenger tried to illuminate a cigarette on board, violating aviation regulations.
According to a spokesman for PIA, the man ignored the repeated warnings of a hostess and physically assaulted it, twisting and hitting it on the back. He also allegedly tried to attack a flight butler and the captain, but the members of the crew intervened and confiscated the cigarette.
In line with international aviation protocols, the pilot alerted the French authorities during the flight. The passenger was arrested immediately after landing at Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris.
“The crew statements were recorded and medical controls were carried out,” said the airline spokesman, adding that a formal police complaint had filed. “French laws regarding this behavior are strict, and we don’t expect indulgence in this case.”
The individual has been permanently on the blacklist to fly with Pia. “Our cabin team showed a notable professionalism under pressure. The law will now take its course,” added the spokesman.
