On 3/10, China Eastern Airlines reported a male passenger to the police for forcing a flight attendant to kneel in apology on a flight from Anhui province to Liaoning on 28/9. The airline accused the passenger of being disruptive, insulting, and threatening the flight attendant, stating it would no longer provide transportation services to this individual.

The incident occurred when a female flight attendant, while serving drinks, accidentally bumped a sleeping passenger's elbow with her service cart. She immediately apologized repeatedly, but the passenger did not accept it. China Eastern also noted that the flight attendant had reminded the passenger several times to be aware of the service cart but did not explain why she knelt.

A China Eastern aircraft taking off. Photo: SCMP

"The passenger became agitated, used vulgar language, insulted, and threatened to kick the flight attendant", the airline stated in its initial announcement on 30/9. The passenger also demanded the flight attendant accompany him to the hospital after the plane landed.

A video recorded by another passenger showed the female flight attendant kneeling in the aisle to apologize.

After landing, medical personnel examined the passenger, confirming the bump did not cause serious injury. The flight attendant received care and support, then returned to work.

The incident sparked widespread debate in China regarding the pressure on flight attendants. This pressure stems from an evaluation system based on passenger complaints, where commendation letters earn positive points and complaints result in deductions. Beijing Daily quoted a veteran flight attendant who said one complaint could negatively impact an entire year's performance review.

Chinese civil aviation law strictly prohibits abusive behavior, attacking crew members, or causing disruption on an aircraft.

Headquartered in Shanghai, China Eastern is one of three major state-owned airlines in China.

Anh Minh (According to SCMP, Paper)