Chennai: An AirAsia flight from Chennai to Kuala Lumpur was delayed by nearly one-and-a-half hours after two drunk passengers quarrelled inside the aircraft late on Sunday night. The passengers were later deboarded, arrested, and handed over to the Chennai airport police for inquiry.
Incident Details
According to airport sources, the AirAsia flight, carrying 186 passengers and 10 crew members, was preparing for departure around 11:45 pm when the two passengers began arguing loudly inside the cabin. The altercation escalated into a physical fight, triggering panic among fellow passengers.
Crew Response
Since cabin crew could not control the passengers, the pilot informed the Chennai airport control room and sought immediate security assistance. Airport security personnel forcibly removed the two passengers. Their journey was cancelled and their baggage offloaded.
Flight Departure
The flight departed for Kuala Lumpur around 1:10 am on Monday with 184 passengers on board.
Police Investigation
Police said preliminary inquiry revealed that the two men had moved to Malaysia several years ago, settled there permanently, and obtained Malaysian citizenship. They had recently travelled to Tamil Nadu to attend a relative’s wedding and were returning to Malaysia when the incident took place.
About the Author: Venkadesan S is a Special Correspondent who primarily covers electricity, aviation, the information commission, central investigation agencies, and metro rail.
