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Panorama view of Asiana Airlines headquarters. (Photo = Asiana Airlines) |
[Alpha Biz= Reporter Kim Sangjin] The Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has requested an investigation by the police into an incident aboard an Asiana Airlines international flight at Incheon International Airport. On the 11th, it was reported that a flight attendant was struck on the face by a passenger's arm, but the flight continued as scheduled without returning to the airport.
According to the aviation industry on the 11th, the Seoul Regional Aviation Administration requested the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency investigate the incident that occurred on the afternoon of the 5th. The incident took place on Asiana Airlines flight OZ204, bound for Los Angeles, while the aircraft was moving on the runway. A foreign male passenger's arm struck the face of female flight attendant A.
A spokesperson from the Seoul Regional Aviation Administration stated, "We have requested an investigation from the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency. If confirmed as assault, it will be addressed as a security law violation."
The incident occurred at 9:25 p.m. on the 5th, when a cabin crew member attempted to prevent passengers from moving to the restroom while the aircraft was taxiing. It is reported that the foreign passenger's arm inadvertently struck flight attendant A's face. Typically, in cases of in-flight assault, flights return to the airport to hand over the individual to the police.
The cabin manager, B, was informed of the incident but reportedly did not return to the airport and instead encouraged the flight to continue. Additionally, it is reported that B’s report described the incident as an accident caused by a passenger, presumed to be disabled, who was unable to control their movements, resulting in the flight attendant being struck.
Asiana Airlines has stated that after arriving in Los Angeles, they arranged for A and B to return to Korea and removed them from subsequent schedules. The airline said, "We are closely investigating the matter and will take appropriate action based on the results."
Alphabiz Reporter Kim SangJin(letyou@alphabiz.co.kr)
