Moment ‘drunk’ business class passenger headbutts an Emirates air steward

The shocking moment a passenger headbutted an air steward on an Emirates flight has been caught on camera.

The man was reportedly drunk when he became violent in the business class section of the Emirates jet from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Islamabad, Pakistan, on Sunday night. Cabin crew onboard flight EK614 tried to restrain the rowdy passenger.

But the video shows him headbutt one of the male crew before being pinned down and restrained. The clip then captures an air hostess run over with a pair of emergency black cable ties – kept onboard for handling unruly passengers – to cuff the tourist.

The man is said to have been restrained in the seat until the Boeing 777 landed at around 1:20am local time in Islamabad on Monday February 26. Pakistani airport police then boarded the plane to arrest him, it is understood.

Fellow passengers said they were “terrified” by the rampage and avoided walking past the flier amid fears he could attack them. One said: “The drunk guy was extremely violent. He was restrained and handcuffed by Emirates cabin crew but I think Pakistan authorities let him go as he was well connected.”

Alcohol is banned in Pakistan for Muslim residents, leading to many binge drinking when they visit more liberal neighbouring countries. The UAE is a relatively strict Islamic country but has become more tolerant in recent years amid its rise as a travel destination and aviation hub. Drinks are, though, available inside the departure lounge at the Dubai International Airport and in bars and restaurants throughout the city.

A spokesperson for the airline said: “Emirates can confirm that there was an unruly passenger on flight EK614 travelling from Dubai to Islamabad on 24 February. The passenger was restrained by cabin crew and upon arrival, was handed over to the authorities. The safety of our passengers and crew is of critical importance and Emirates strives to ensure this is never compromised. Emirates is cooperating with the authorities at this time and cannot comment further.”