Special Correspondent
Daijiworld media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Aug 17 : Three passengers who boarded Air India Express at Mangalore Airport on Thursday August 16 night were handed over to Dubai security officials by Air India crew as soon as the plane landed at Dubai International Airport, terminal 2 in the early hours of Friday August 17.
Air India Express flight IX 813 carrying 180 passengers together with 10 infants took off at 10.45 pm on Thursday from Mangalore airport.
One of the passengers who was on board informed daijiworld that three men aged between 30-35 years started creating nuisance around 45 minutes after the flight took off. They were allegedly mibehaving with female cabin crew, demanding alcohol several times, using foul language with the crew and hurling abuses.
"It was totally an unacceptable behaviour from these young men who were seated in the 7th row A, B and C seats. They started arguing with the crew, using filthy language directly in their face. It was a pity to see these young men abusing the three air hostesses," said a passenger to daijiworld office in Dubai.
"They were desperate for alcohol, making repeated demands with the crew. I saw the crew supply them with the allowed quota, but these people were demanding more."
"What we have experienced is the best service from the female staff... they were very patient and co-operative, but were helpless in front of those unruly men" the passenger said
A lady passenger who spoke to daijiworld over the phone, said that, "I felt ashamed to hear such bad words used by the three men at the air hostesses. I shouted at the men asking them to mind their language as many children and youngsters were seated around."
Another passenger told daijiworld, "I have never seen such rude behaviour from any passenger in my entire life. They must have taken the staff and other passengers for granted. Wonder what they thought of themselves. They must be put behind bars so that they will learn a lesson for life."
Upon the arrival of the flight at Dubai, the cabin crew informed the Dubai security officials, and all three men - Ganadhar Bhavani, Anish K Amith Kumar and Praveen Castelino have been taken into custody by the police for questioning.
"Not only the crew, but all other passengers were witness to the bad behaviour of the three men. When the security officials cross-checked with the other passengers, everyone complained about the three," said a passenger to daijiworld.
"Quite often, I have seen people blaming the pilot when there is harsh landing... we blame the cabin crew for poor service, the ground staff for not allowing excess luggage... for anything negative we blame the entire Air India Express or the government. In this case who can we blame? Many a time, the behaviour of passengers itself creates problem for everyone else," said A D'Souza who was also on board.
"Because of these three men, we had to go through lots of inconvenience. They caused trouble, and never allowed others to sleep. They kept on shouting, pressing bells and putting on lights. They should be banned for life from travelling by air," said an angry passenger.
"While landing the pilot made a clear announcement, the crew instructed the passengers to tighten their seat belts, and everyone was waiting to land. But one of the three men got up and headed towards the toilet. When the cabin crew stopped him, he shouted at her in foul language...that hurt many who heard it. We really appreciate the courage and professionalism of the three cabin crew in handling these passengers."
It may be recalled that a couple of years back, a similar incident on board had forced the pilot to divert the flight to Mumbai airport. After disembarking three troublesome passengers, the flight took off to Dubai.
Daijiworld tried contacting Air India Dubai office, but no one was available as it is Friday and hence a weekend holiday.
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