Chinese Passenger Makes Flight Attendant Kneel... Airline Says, "Boarding Restricted, Police Notified"

[Financial News] China Eastern Airlines has reportedly reported the passenger involved in an incident that sparked controversy after a flight attendant knelt and apologized aboard a plane to the police, while also restricting the passenger from boarding its flights.
On the 5th, the South China Morning Post (SCMP) and other outlets reported that China Eastern Airlines had completed evidence collection, fact-finding and legal reviews related to the recent so-called "flight attendant kneeling apology" incident aboard one of its aircraft.
China Eastern Airlines explained that it had reported the passenger to public security authorities after determining that the passenger's conduct was suspected of disrupting order aboard the aircraft and seriously infringing on the flight attendant's personal dignity and rights in performing their duties. The airline added that it had suspended carriage services for the passenger under its own regulations and was providing psychological counseling and legal support to the flight attendant involved in the incident.
The incident occurred on the 28th of last month aboard a China Eastern Airlines flight from Hefei, Anhui Province, to Dalian, Liaoning Province. While a flight attendant was pushing a cart to serve drinks, the cart collided with the elbow of a sleeping passenger. The flight attendant immediately apologized several times and checked on the passenger's condition.
The passenger, however, remained agitated, continued using harsh language and threatened to kick the flight attendant. Another passenger aboard the same aircraft filmed the incident, and the video quickly spread through social media and other platforms.
The video showed the flight attendant kneeling in front of the passenger and apologizing, intensifying the controversy. The passenger who filmed it said the flight attendant knelt and apologized two or three times, but the passenger continued to complain.
After the aircraft landed, medical staff examined the passenger and found no apparent external injuries, determining that no further treatment was necessary. China Eastern Airlines said the passenger later declined an airport employee's offer to accompany them to a hospital and left the airport on their own.
In a statement issued immediately after the incident, China Eastern Airlines said, "We are reviewing the entire course of the incident and securing evidence," adding, "We will strictly uphold the bottom line of aviation safety and protect our employees' professional dignity in accordance with laws and regulations."
[email protected] Kim Hee-sun Reporter