Emirates Crew Tackles Intoxicated Menace On Flight To Dry Country

by Gary Leff

During a flight from Dubai to Islamabad on Emirates on Sunday, the cabin crew of EK614 had to subdue a belligerent intoxicated passenger in flexcuffs. Video of the event shows two flight attendants forcefully bringing the individual to the floor while others provided them with the black handcuffs to secure his wrists and ankles. The flight made it to Islamabad at approximately 1:20 am.

Footage shows the passenger being transported off the plane in a wheelchair, with onlookers suggesting he drink water to help sober up.

Some commentators suggest that drunken behavior is especially common on flights headed to Pakistan as a last chance for locals there to indulge heavily prior to arrival in a country where consumption faces significant legal impediments. Generally alcohol sales and consumption in Pakistan are permitted only to foreigners in select hotels. The sale of alcoholic beverages to Muslims was prohibited in Pakistan in 1977, and a license is required to drink.

According to the airline,

Emirates can confirm that there was an unruly passenger on flight EK614 travelling from Dubai to Islamabad. The passenger was restrained by cabin crew and upon arrival, was handed over to the authorities.

The safety of our passengers and crew is of critical importance and Emirates strives to ensure this is never compromised. Emirates is cooperating with the authorities at this time and cannot comment further.

Despite the passenger’s disruptive and frightening behavior, there are indications that the individual’s influential connections might shield him from facing legal repercussions for his actions.

About Gary Leff

Gary Leff is one of the foremost experts in the field of miles, points, and frequent business travel - a topic he has covered since 2002. Co-founder of frequent flyer community InsideFlyer.com, emcee of the Freddie Awards, and named one of the "World's Top Travel Experts" by Conde' Nast Traveler (2010-Present) Gary has been a guest on most major news media, profiled in several top print publications, and published broadly on the topic of consumer loyalty. More About Gary »

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Comments

  1. Whew! For a moment there I thought the guy might actually have to face the repercussions for his actions. Good thing that’s not the case.

  3. Too bad he was let go! A good thrashing and jail might be a wake up call to others. Well, not in the United States as the courts are prone to just let ’em go with little or no penalty. A minimum of six months and ban from flying on a US flag carrier would be more appropriate.

  4. Remind me never to go on a flight headed to Pakistan. If this person is “well connected” and not punished, then this kind of behavior will become norm, rather than a bit unusual.

  5. Months ago I was on a etihad flight from India and someone next to me was returning home to Saudi and drinking at every opportunity (like 7 champagne refills!)

    I asked isn’t this illegal at home he was like there should be enough time to sober up before landing in Riyadh!

  6. What’s the difference between pakistan and US if you’re privileged? We have a rapist, thief, foreign spy, tax dodger, nazi racist, married to a Slovenian communist….. and he’s running for president! HA!

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