Nigerian Flight Deck Travel and Business Reportage
EMIRATES Airline this morning has reacted to the restraining of 71-year-old grandpa, Mr. David Ukesone, claiming the passenger’s behaviour was unruly and violent and needed to be restrained for safety and security onboard the flight.
Mr. Ukesone who was recounted his experience from the airline crew said that he was punched, bound and gagged by the airline crew for sitting on the wrong seat.
The septuagenerian who said he hadn’t been on an aircraft in 35 years said he didn’t know he was on the wrong seat and for that he was assaulted, according to his attorney, Howard Schaffner.
In Emirates response from its spokesperson, the airline counter-claimed that the passenger constantly disturbed other passengers while he was refusing to stay on his assigned seat and further bit another passenger and assaulted a crew.
The airline’s statement read, “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 bit another passenger. As a consequence he was restrained by our crew. Our cabin crew 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.”
