‘Drunk’ off-duty pilot attacks cabin crew
An off-duty airline pilot is facing disciplinary action and likely criminal charges after an in-flight meltdown.
The off-duty Batik Air pilot was flying back to Indonesia as a passenger on a Turkish Airlines flight.
Described as drunk, the 48 year-old male is alleged to have hit flight attendants in a violent altercation.
He had to be overpowered and physically restrained by other passengers.
Video footage posted showed a man wildly throwing punches at flight attendants.
The Jakarta-bound flight was diverted to Medan Kualanamu Airport.
Batik Air parent Lion Air Group confirmed he is an employee.
“Lion Air Group respects the handling efforts that are being carried out by related parties. It is hoped that these will be resolved according to the applicable rules, “said Lion Air Group Corporate Communications spokesperson, Danang Mandala Prihantoro.
“Lion Air Group supports authorised agencies’ investigations to resolve the incident,” he added.
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