Passenger assaults cabin crew on PIA flight to Paris

LAHORE: A serious incident occurred aboard Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight PK-749 from Islamabad to Paris, when a male passenger attempted to smoke illegally during the flight and assaulted cabin crew members who tried to stop him.

Despite repeated warnings from a female flight attendant, the passenger refused to stop smoking and behaved aggressively. Matters escalated when he grabbed the flight attendant’s arm and twisted it, also punching her in the lower back, causing her injury. The passenger then attempted to assault a flight steward and the captain, but they managed to restrain him and confiscate the cigarette.

Following aviation protocol, the captain immediately informed French authorities during the flight. Upon landing in Paris, the passenger was taken into custody by police. Statements from the crew were recorded and medical examinations conducted. A police report has been formally registered.

According to the PIA spokesperson, “French laws are very strict in such matters, and we expect no leniency will be shown to the individual involved.” PIA has blacklisted the passenger, permanently banning him from flying with the national airline. “Our crew acted professionally and fulfilled their duties responsibly. The matter is now in the hands of the law,” the spokesperson added.