A passenger from Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) was arrested by the French authorities after landing in Paris after pretending to smoke in mid-volume and attacking members of the cabin crew, the airline said in a statement on Monday.
The incident occurred during a flight to Paris from Islamabad, when the passenger tried to light a cigarette on board, violating aviation regulations.
According to a spokesperson for the PIA, the man ignored the repeated warnings of a female on-board agency and attacked her physically, twisting his arm and striking it in the back. He would also have tried to attack a flight steward and the captain, but the crew members intervened and confiscated the cigarette.
In accordance 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 have been recorded and medical checks have been carried out,” said the airline spokesman, adding that an official police complaint was filed. “French laws concerning such behavior are strict, and we do not expect any leniency in this case.”
The individual was permanent on black flight list with PIA. “Our cabin crew has shown remarkable professionalism under pressure. The law will now take its course,” added the spokesperson.
