Emirates Airline on Wednesday explained why a 71- year old passenger, David Ukesone, was restrained on a flight between Dubai and Chicago.
The airline said Ukesone was unruly on board the flight and forced his way into another passenger’s seat.
Emirates said the passenger engaged in air rage by biting another passenger, forcing the cabin attendants to professionally restrain him during the flight in order not to endanger the lives of other passengers and safety of the aircraft.
The airline, in a statement issued on Wednesday, said: “Emirates can confirm that Mr. Ukesone was a passenger on flight EK235 from Dubai to Chicago on 23 January, and that he had to be restrained by cabin crew due to unruly behaviour during the flight.
“Despite the best efforts of our crew to intervene and reason with him, Mr. Ukesone repeatedly disturbed other passengers, refused to remain in his assigned seat and forced his way into another cabin class.
‘He also assaulted crew and bite another passenger. As a consequence he was restrained by our crew. Our cabin crew members are highly trained to ensure the safety and security of our passengers, and constantly monitored Mr. Ukesone’s welfare throughout the flight. The safety and security of our passengers and crew is of the utmost importance and will not be compromised.
‘Upon arrival at the airport, the passenger was handed over to the authorities in Chicago. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the other passengers on the flight for their understanding, in particular the individuals who had assisted our crew during the flight.”
According to reports, the 71-year-old Nigerian had alleged he was punched in the face, his mouth taped and bounded like a prisoner for eight hours he was on the trip to reunite with his family.
The man said his offence was that he got into a dispute with the flight attendants over his seat number and the matter escalated.
Ukesone said he hadn’t been on a plane in over 35 years.
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