An Italian woman passenger was detained by Mumbai Police for reportedly raising a commotion aboard a Vistara Airline flight on January 30 shortly after takeoff from Abu Dhabi to Mumbai.
After the plane landed at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport early on Monday morning, Sahar police detained the passenger, named as Paola Perruccio (CSMIA). She later received bail from this court. The woman, who was allegedly intoxicated, caused a scene by demanding to be placed in business class even though she had been booked in economy, according to the Mumbai police.
Additionally, she removed parts of her clothing and moved up and down the aisle while partially naked, cursing and hitting the staff.
“We confirm that there was an unruly passenger on Vistara flight UK 256 operating from Abu Dhabi to Mumbai on 30 January 2023. In view of the continued unruly conduct and violent behaviour, the captain issued a warning card and made a decision to restrain the passenger,” a Vistara spokesperson said.
“The pilot made regular announcements to assure the other customers onboard of their safety and security. In accordance with the guidelines and our stringent standard operating procedures (SOPs), the security agencies on-ground were informed about taking immediate action upon arrival. The incident has been reported to the relevant authorities as per the SOPs,” the spokesperson added.
After registering a case against the passenger, the Mumbai Police filed a charge sheet within a day.
“Mumbai Police has filed a chargesheet in record time in a case of misbehaviour by an airline passenger mid-air,” police said.
A medical examination was also conducted on the woman before booking her under several sections of the Indian Penal Code. The police said they have completed all formalities of recording statements of co-passengers and crew and others.
“We have completed all the due formalities as per law and filed the chargesheet after recording all the relevant statements and medical and legal procedures,” DCP Dixit Gedam said.
Last year, after an unruly passenger abused and manhandled flight attendants, Vistara handed him over to Heathrow airport authorities in London. The passenger was held for an inquiry upon landing at London Heathrow, according to a Vistara spokesperson.
