▲ China Eastern Airlines passenger plane
Controversy is growing after it was revealed that a female flight attendant for a Chinese airline was forced to kneel and apologize after accidentally brushing against a passenger's elbow during in-flight service.
According to Hong Kong's Ming Pao and Sing Tao Daily on the 1st, the incident occurred on September 28 on a China Eastern Airlines flight from Hefei to Dalian.
At the time, a flight attendant was pushing a service cart for beverage service when she accidentally bumped into the elbow of a passenger who was sleeping.
Although the flight attendant apologized immediately, the passenger reacted with extreme anger.
Later, footage captured by another passenger showed the flight attendant kneeling on both knees next to the cart to apologize.
The passenger who filmed the video stated that the flight attendant knelt down and apologized two to three times, but the male passenger continued to voice complaints.
As the video spread rapidly across Chinese social media, related topics rose to the top of Weibo's real-time search trends.
As the controversy grew, China Eastern Airlines released an official statement on September 30 explaining the details of the incident.
China Eastern stated, "The flight attendant immediately apologized and checked on the passenger's condition, but the passenger became emotionally agitated and continued to use harsh and aggressive language." The airline added, "He threatened to kick the flight attendant and demanded that she go to the hospital with him after landing, leaving the flight attendant in a state of severe shock."
According to China Eastern, medical staff examined the passenger after the plane landed and found no apparent trauma or swelling, concluding that no further medical treatment was necessary.
China Eastern emphasized, "We are reviewing the entire process of the incident alongside the relevant parties and securing evidence," adding, "We will strictly maintain the baseline of aviation safety and protect the professional dignity of our employees in accordance with laws and regulations."
However, the airline did not disclose the specific circumstances that led to the flight attendant kneeling or whether follow-up measures were taken against the passenger.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
