A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) passenger was arrested by French authorities upon landing in Paris after allegedly attempting to smoke mid-flight and assaulting members of the cabin crew, the airline said in a statement on Monday.
The incident occurred during a Paris-bound flight from Islamabad, when the passenger reportedly tried to light a cigarette onboard, violating aviation regulations.
According to a PIA spokesperson, the man ignored repeated warnings from a female flight attendant and physically assaulted her, twisting her arm and punching her in the back. He also allegedly attempted to attack a flight steward and the captain, but crew members intervened and confiscated the cigarette.
In line with international aviation protocols, the pilot alerted French authorities during the flight. The passenger was taken into custody immediately after landing at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris.
"The statements of the crew were recorded and medical checks were conducted," said the airline spokesperson, adding that a formal police complaint had been filed. "French laws regarding such behaviour are strict, and we expect no leniency in this case."
The individual has been permanently blacklisted from flying with PIA. “Our cabin crew showed remarkable professionalism under pressure. The law will now take its course,” the spokesperson added.
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