Man causes panic on Emirates flight after assaulting cabin crew

A man has gone on trial for causing panic on board an Emirates Airlines flight when he tried to open the door of the aircraft after assaulting three members of the cabin crew just minutes before take-off.

The 29-year-old Pakistani, who works as farmer in Al Ain, is charged with using violence and posing a danger to the lives of other passengers.

He is also charged with physically assaulting three cabin crew who tried to stop him from opening the door.

He denied all the charges at Dubai Court of First Instance.

A 25-year-old Portuguese cabin crew employee said the incident took place just before take-off on June 12 this year.

She said the accused wanted to get off the plane and pushed her as he tried to open the door.

Two male attendants came to assist her but the accused punched one of them and pushed the other.

“He didn’t say why he wanted to get off the plane,” said the woman, who was also kicked on the legs.

The captain reported the matter and the man was arrested onboard the plane.

The court ordered that the accused be committed to a mental institution for 15 days for a psychological evaluation.