Editorial | We can all play a part for friendlier skies in Hong Kong
Row on Cathay Pacific flight that left one passenger shaken and two others banned shows need to defuse tensions
Another embarrassing example of bad behaviour has played out on a flight operated by flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways.
The airline appears to have taken appropriate action by banning two passengers after a row, but the case must be examined thoroughly to ensure sufficient measures are in place to defuse tensions that arise.
The incident came to light on Saturday when a woman, who speaks Mandarin, wrote on social media platform Xiaohongshu – an important source of travel tips on the mainland – about her experience on a flight from Hong Kong to London.
She said that when she reclined her seat, a Cantonese-speaking couple behind her complained they could not see their entertainment screens. She also posted a video of the couple as they jostled her seat, kicked her arm, hurled insults and made discriminatory remarks.
A cabin crew member suggested she adjust her seat, but it was not yet meal time or when seats must be in an upright position. Other passengers were heard on the video criticising the couple’s behaviour.
The woman later said she was moved to see others speaking up on her behalf, and such actions were a welcome sign that bad behaviour was an exception rather than the rule.
