Latest news with #flightincident
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Yahoo
'A drunk man sprayed me in the face with aftershave as I slept on an Emirates flight and this is all I've been offered as compensation'
A pensioner claims a drunk passenger sprayed him in the face with aftershave as slept on an Emirates flight. Anthony Harrop, 76, claims the drama unfolded as he flew to Thailand with his son. Mr Harrop flew out from Manchester Airport last December. He was on a subsequent flight from Dubai to Bangkok when he claims the incident unfolded. Emirates bosses said an investigation into Mr Harrop's claims was undertaken, but that 'no evidence of disruptive behaviour or excessive alcohol consumption' was uncovered. READ MORE: Friends left stunned at Manchester Airport after landing £24,000 in terminal READ MORE: Police issue immediate order covering huge parts of town after 'receiving intelligence' "The flight from Manchester to Dubai was fantastic," Mr Harrop, from Macclesfield, told the Manchester Evening News. "We got the flight to Bangkok and there was a guy on the plane. "This gentleman kept rabbiting on, I couldn't understand half of what he was going on about. He didn't allow me to sleep. He said 'nobody sleeps when he's on a plane'. "Eventually, I managed to drop off, only to be awakened and startled by stuff being sprayed in my face. It was fortunately aftershave, but it could have been anything. He sprayed it directly in my face." The passenger was moved to another seat, Mr Harrop - an ex-solider - said he was offered air miles as compensation, but turned the offer down. "That's basically the equivalent of £54, which is nothing," he added. A spokesperson for Emirates said: "Emirates takes the safety of its passengers and crew extremely seriously. "Following a thorough investigation into Mr Harrop's account on 27 December 2024, we found no evidence of disruptive behaviour or excessive alcohol consumption during the flight from the passenger in question. "Emirates has offered Mr Harrop Skywards Miles as a goodwill gesture, and we consider this matter closed."
CTV News
21 hours ago
- General
- CTV News
A mother thought her baby was blown out of a plane. The U.S. FAA still allows infants on laps
A plastic sheet covers an area of the fuselage of the Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max jet that lost its door plug during a January 2025 flight. One mother on the flight who had been holding her baby thought she had lost her son out the hole in the plane during the flight. (Mathieu Lewis-Rolland/Getty Images via CNN Newsource) It was horrifying enough for anyone when a door plug popped off an Alaska Airlines flight at more than 16,000 feet last year, causing an explosive decompression. But one mother's nightmare was particularly acute, as she thought she lost her baby out of the gaping hole in the side of the plane. It's an unimaginable horror, and one that safety regulators could have prevented by requiring that parents secure infants on board planes in a car seat, as they must be when riding in a car. But despite years of calls for just such a rule, none exists. Testimony this week at the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board hearing into the incident, and transcripts of interviews with flight attendants conducted by NTSB investigators that were released this week, tell of the panic aboard the flight. Passengers' clothing was ripped off, and their phones were blown out of their hands and sent hurtling into the night by the by the rush of air that accompanied the rapid decompression. The flight attendants weren't sure whether they had lost any of the passengers until the plane had landed. Initially, they weren't even sure if the pilots were conscious or in need of medical attention themselves due to problems communicating between the cabin and cockpit. But among the flight attendants' most serious concerns were the three infants on the flight who were being held on their parents' laps, not in a car seat. And one of those parents, a mother, told flight attendants during the incident that she had lost her son and believed he had been blown outside the plane. 'I was holding her, I said, 'What's going on, what's happening?' and she just says, 'I was holding my son and I think my son blew out the window,'' one of the flight attendants told NTSB investigators, according to a transcript of the interview. 'And that's when I lift up my head and saw the hole and I just started like shaking.' 'I didn't know at that point that that mom was freaking out because she thought her son went out the window,' another flight attendant told investigators. Fortunately, the child had not gone out the hole, although the transcripts from the NTSB did not detail where the child was during the incident or give the name of the mother involved. The plane was able to land within minutes without any serious physical injuries to the 177 people on aboard, including the three infants. Among the NTSB's recommendations following the conclusion of its investigation this week was to once again suggest that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) require passengers ages two and younger have their own seats to protect them. The NTSB does not have the power to make such a requirement. It has been asking the FAA, which is the federal regulator that sets such regulations, for such a rule for decades. Risks to infants Even if parts don't often fall off planes mid-flight, infants on planes are at risk of being thrown from their parents' arms by far more common turbulence, which can occur without warning. One NTSB investigator testified Tuesday about incidents in which infants were injured during severe turbulence, in one instance landing a few rows behind the child's mother in an empty row. 'I've long believed that parents of lap children do not fully realize the serious risk to which they're exposing their young children,' NTSB board member Thomas Chapman said at the hearing. 'The experts agree that the safest place for an infant is secured in their own seat. If there's turbulence or worse, you may not be able to protect your baby in your arms.' Chapman said the NTSB has been pushing for a rule requiring infants be secured in a seat but that 'we just have not been able to persuade FAA that this is an area where they should take action.' An advisory to airlines posted on the FAA's website advises that the agency 'does not require but, because of the safety benefits thereof, does encourage the use of approved child/infant seats aboard aircraft.' When CNN asked about the lack of a rule, the FAA said in a statement: 'The FAA takes NTSB recommendations seriously and will carefully consider those issued yesterday.' The statement added: 'The safest place for a child under age two is an approved child-restraint system or device, not an adult's lap. This can go a long way in keeping children safe during a flight.' Life-saving math But there may be a more intricate calculus involved for the FAA. An agency spokesperson told CNN it is concerned that requiring parents to buy an extra seat for plane travel will lead more of them to drive to their destinations. And the agency believes that would create a greater risk to the children and parents, since flying is a much safer method of transportation than driving. Airlines also likely worry about lost revenue from more parents opting to drive instead. Airlines for America, the industry trade group, did not directly address whether or not there should be a rule requiring infants to have their own seat in a statement. 'The safety of all passengers and crew members is always the top priority of U.S. airlines, which is why we follow federal laws and strictly comply with the guidance and rules established by our safety regulator, the FAA,' the group said. Sara Nelson, president of the world's largest flight attendants union, the Association of Flight Attendants, told CNN that a rule requiring car seats for infants on planes is long overdue. The union has been pushing for such a rule for more than 30 years, she added. In the past, when planes were not as full, parents and flight attendants could often find an empty seat on the plane to place a child seat, Nelson said. But that's not the case any longer. 'It's unfortunate that we've turned our backs on the safety of people who can't speak up,' Nelson said. 'We know that it (a car seat) is the most safe, and that it is unsafe to hold your child in a critical incident or an incident of turbulence.' She said it's not necessary for a child to stay in the car seat through an entire flight, the way they are during an entire car trip. But during critical moments – during take off, landing and when the pilot warns of turbulence, an infant should be in a car seat. 'If you hit clear air turbulence and the plane suddenly drops thousands of feet, no loving parent can hold onto their child in a situation like that,' she said. But Nelson and some safety experts accused the FAA of putting airline profits over safety. 'The NTSB has one job, and that's to improve safety. They're not concerned about the financial impact,' said Anthony Brickhouse, a crash investigator and US-based aerospace safety consultant. 'The FAA looks at safety, but they also look at the financial impact. Safety and money have been in conflict since the beginning of time. And if you want to know the reasons for anything they do, follow the money.' Brickhouse said if the lap babies had been in or near row 26, where the door plug blew off, they likely would have be lost. 'Why is it that you're required to be buckled in a car, but mommy and daddy can hold you on a flight?' he said. 'You would think this close call could move the needle. It's frustrating to think we need to get tragedy to get change.' By Chris Isidore, CNN
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Passenger Forcibly Dragged Off Plane by Arms and Belt After Alleged Tantrum Over Changing Seats
A passenger was forcibly dragged off a Thai Lion Air flight after his request for a bigger seat was allegedly denied by the flight crew Video footage obtained by PEOPLE shows the man pulled out of his seat and into the aisle by police A fellow passenger can be heard calling the man "f------ selfish" as he was removedVideo footage shows a passenger forcibly dragged off a plane after throwing an alleged tantrum on Wednesday, June 25, a Thai Lion Air flight departing Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok was delayed about an hour so authorities could remove a disruptive traveler. The man — shown in videos obtained by PEOPLE wearing an orange Garfield t-shirt and green cargo shorts — allegedly became upset after his request for a different seat from the one he was assigned was denied by flight attendants. 'At first, I thought we couldn't take off because the man had fallen ill,' said one man who recorded video footage, according to Viral Press. 'It turned out he just thought the economy seat was too crowded and insisted on moving to the emergency exit. The flight attendants had to call the police because he refused to cooperate." The denial allegedly resulted in an outburst, lasting nearly an hour. To put an end to the delay, authorities boarded the Boeing 737 to remove the traveler. Amid his ongoing refusal, two officers grabbed his arms and dragged him onto the ground and into the aisle. Then, the video shows the man grabbing his phone to record the incident himself. In another part of the video taken from a different angle, a female on board can be heard saying 'he's f------ selfish,' as he's pulled down the aisle. The removal required one officer to drag him by the arms and another dragging him by the belt. Another passenger is heard yelling 'get out the plane.' Thai Lion Air did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment. This isn't the first time footage of flyers removed off a flight went viral. Earlier this month, on June 17, a 32-year-old female New York resident was restrained and removed from a Southwest flight from LaGuardia to Kansas City. Footage showed her pulling the hair of and spitting on a fellow flyer. Following her outburst, the passenger was removed from the flight and subsequently charged with aggravated assault, according to a statement from the Port Authority Police obtained by PEOPLE. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Another clip filmed by a fellow passenger that surfaced online showed the woman finally being removed from the plane. Port Authority Police had to roll the woman out of the gate area strapped to a gurney. Several of her fellow passenger can be seen filming the scene in the background. 'The suspect was transported to the hospital for evaluation and subsequently placed in the custody of the New York City Department of Correction,' a Port Authority PD representative said. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Passenger Forcibly Dragged Off Plane by Arms and Belt After Alleged Tantrum Over Changing Seats
A passenger was forcibly dragged off a Thai Lion Air flight after his request for a bigger seat was allegedly denied by the flight crew Video footage obtained by PEOPLE shows the man pulled out of his seat and into the aisle by police A fellow passenger can be heard calling the man "f------ selfish" as he was removedVideo footage shows a passenger forcibly dragged off a plane after throwing an alleged tantrum on Wednesday, June 25, a Thai Lion Air flight departing Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok was delayed about an hour so authorities could remove a disruptive traveler. The man — shown in videos obtained by PEOPLE wearing an orange Garfield t-shirt and green cargo shorts — allegedly became upset after his request for a different seat from the one he was assigned was denied by flight attendants. 'At first, I thought we couldn't take off because the man had fallen ill,' said one man who recorded video footage, according to Viral Press. 'It turned out he just thought the economy seat was too crowded and insisted on moving to the emergency exit. The flight attendants had to call the police because he refused to cooperate." The denial allegedly resulted in an outburst, lasting nearly an hour. To put an end to the delay, authorities boarded the Boeing 737 to remove the traveler. Amid his ongoing refusal, two officers grabbed his arms and dragged him onto the ground and into the aisle. Then, the video shows the man grabbing his phone to record the incident himself. In another part of the video taken from a different angle, a female on board can be heard saying 'he's f------ selfish,' as he's pulled down the aisle. The removal required one officer to drag him by the arms and another dragging him by the belt. Another passenger is heard yelling 'get out the plane.' Thai Lion Air did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment. This isn't the first time footage of flyers removed off a flight went viral. Earlier this month, on June 17, a 32-year-old female New York resident was restrained and removed from a Southwest flight from LaGuardia to Kansas City. Footage showed her pulling the hair of and spitting on a fellow flyer. Following her outburst, the passenger was removed from the flight and subsequently charged with aggravated assault, according to a statement from the Port Authority Police obtained by PEOPLE. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Another clip filmed by a fellow passenger that surfaced online showed the woman finally being removed from the plane. Port Authority Police had to roll the woman out of the gate area strapped to a gurney. Several of her fellow passenger can be seen filming the scene in the background. 'The suspect was transported to the hospital for evaluation and subsequently placed in the custody of the New York City Department of Correction,' a Port Authority PD representative said. Read the original article on People
The Sun
2 days ago
- The Sun
Heart-stopping moment flames erupt from airborne 153-passenger American Airlines flight as pilot makes eerie disclosure
AN American Airlines flight had to return to the airport after smoke and sparks flew from the plane's engine, terrifying everyone on board. American Airlines Flight 1665 departed Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas at 8:11 am on Wednesday, bound for Charlotte, North Carolina. 2 However, shortly after takeoff, smoke was seen coming from the plane's left engine, according to an airport spokesperson. Harrowing video of the incident was shared on social media, showing puffs of smoke and orange sparks coming from the plane's engine. The plane returned to the airport around 8:20 am, said the Federal Aviation Administration in a statement. An inspection by the maintenance team found no evidence that the engine caught fire, according to American Airlines. "The aircraft taxied to the gate under its own power and customers deplaned normally," the airline said. "We appreciate the professionalism of our crew and thank our team who are working to get our customers to their destinations as quickly as possible." Lane Hayes, one of the 153 passengers on the flight, told the New York Times that he heard a popping noise that "literally sounded like a gunshot," just seconds after takeoff. He told the outlet that when he leaned out the window, he could see "flashes of light coming from the engine where it was sparking." "It was extremely tense," said Hayes. "It felt like forever, and every time that the engine popped, it sounded like gunshots. We were all wondering if it was going to be bigger than the last one." Amidst the chaos, the pilot announced that they were "obviously not taking this plane to Charlotte," before returning to Las Vegas. At this time, American Airlines said it was too early to determine the cause of the engine issue. "We appreciate the professionalism of our crew and thank our team who are working to get our customers to their destinations as quickly as possible," the airline told The U.S. Sun. Along with 153 passengers, there were six crew members on board during the incident. No injuries were reported from this incident, said the airline. An investigation by the FAA is currently underway.
