China Eastern Airlines Reports Passenger to Police and Restricts Boarding Over Flight Attendant Kneeling Apology Incident

China Eastern Airlines has reported a passenger to the police and placed restrictions on the individual's future bookings following a controversy sparked when a flight attendant was forced to kneel and apologize inside the cabin.

According to media outlets including Hong Kong's South China Morning Post (SCMP), China Eastern Airlines released a statement announcing the actions after completing evidence collection, fact-checking, and legal reviews regarding the recent in-flight incident.

The airline explained that it reported the passenger to public security authorities after concluding that the individual's behavior disrupted in-cabin order and severely infringed upon the personal dignity and professional rights of the staff.

The carrier added that it has suspended transport services for the passenger in accordance with internal regulations, while providing psychological counseling and legal support to the affected flight attendant.

The incident occurred on September 28 on a China Eastern Airlines flight traveling from Hefei, Anhui Province, to Dalian, Liaoning Province.

According to the airline, while a flight attendant was pushing a cart for beverage service, the cart collided with the elbow of a sleeping passenger.

The flight attendant immediately apologized multiple times and checked on the passenger's condition, but the airline claimed that the passenger remained in an agitated state, continued using harsh language, and made threats implying they would kick the attendant.

A video shared online showed the flight attendant kneeling in front of the passenger to apologize, spreading controversy across China.

Medical personnel examined the passenger after the plane landed and found no visible injuries or need for additional treatment, according to the airline's assessment.

China Eastern stated that the passenger subsequently refused airport staff's offer to accompany them to a hospital and left the airport on their own.

In the statement released at the time, China Eastern said, "We are reviewing the entire process of the incident and securing evidence," adding, "We will strictly uphold the baseline of aviation safety and protect the professional dignity of our employees in accordance with laws and regulations."

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.