Emirates and Qatar Airways have reduced A380 services on seven routes

Emirates and Qatar Airways have withdrawn their Airbus A380 services from a total of seven routes as the conflict in Iran continues to disrupt Gulf carrier networks. 

These changes have added to earlier disruptions, with Qatar Airways grounding its entire A380 fleet for April and May. Emirates has also cut its A380 flights by a third compared to last year, partly due to ongoing cabin reconfiguration work on its superjumbos.

EMIRATES AIRBUS A380-861 E6-EEK (MSN 132)

In May, Emirates will suspend A380 flights from Dubai (DXB/OMDB) to Copenhagen (CPH/EKCH), Glasgow (GLA/EGPF), Osaka Kansai (KIX/RJBB), and Prague (PRG/LKPR). For now, only that month is affected, but the suspension will likely carry over into June.

Replacement aircraft differ by route. The Boeing 777-300ER will handle three of the four routes: a 328-seat version for Osaka, a 332-seat version for Glasgow, and a 360-seat version for Prague. All three feature four classes. Copenhagen is the exception. Emirates will deploy its three-class, 298-seat Airbus A350-900, the airline’s lowest-capacity widebody.

QATAR AIRWAYS AIRBUS A380-861 A7-APG (MSN 193)

Qatar Airways faces deeper cuts. With no A380 flights in April or May, the latest changes affect June through August.

The airline has removed superjumbo services from Doha (DOH/OTHH) to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG/LFPG), Singapore (SIN/WSSS), and Sydney (SYD/YSSY). The 517-seat A380 is currently scheduled to return on these routes from the 16th of September.

The updated lineup includes the 354-seat Boeing 777-300ER for Paris CDG, while Singapore will have a mix of the 283-seat A350-900 and the 327-seat A350-1000. Sydney will be served by the 327-seat A350-1000. Qatar Airways will keep flying the A380 to London Heathrow (LHR/EGLL) starting on the 16th of June, but now with twice-daily flights instead of once, running through July and August. 

Spotting from home and Brisbane Airport

Here are some photos that were taken on Friday from my home and then Saturday morning at the airport. 

I raced out early on Saturday because I wanted to see the Malaysian Airlines sporting the Manchester United livery. 

From home

AERO VODOCHODY L-39 VH-SIC (MSN 433144) 42 YEARS
NORTH AMERICAN P-51D MUSTANG VH-FST (MSN 45-11526)

INTERAIR CESSNA 172M SKYHAWK VH-DWE (MSN 17264267) 52 YEARS

FIJI AIRWAYS BOEING 737 MAX 8 DQ-FAD (MSN 64308)
FJ921 ARRIVING FROM NADI (NAN) 7 YEARS

VIRGIN AUSTRALIA BOEING 737-8FE VH-YFW (MSN 41037)
VA1211 ARRIVING FROM CANBERRA (CBR) 9 YEARS

AMERICAN CHAMPION SUPER DECATHLON VH-NQX (MSN 1016-2006) 20 YEARS

BASAIR PIPER SEMINOLE VH-BJC (MSN 4496409) 9 YEARS

BEECH 58 BARON VH-WRT (MSN TH-1664) 34 YEARS

CESSNA 172R SKYHAWK VH-AST (MSN 17280202) 29 YEARS

From the airport

GULF AIRCRAFT CESSNA CARAVAN VH-PYO (MSN 208B5595)

QANTAS AIRBUS A330-202 VH-EBK (MSN 945)
QF52 ARRIVING FROM SINGAPORE (SIN) 17 YEARS

CHINA SOUTHERN AIRBUS A350-941 B-308T (MSN 318)
CZ381 ARRIVING FROM GUANGZHOU (CAN) 6 YEARS

VIRGIN AUSTRALIA BOEING 737-7K2 VH-NBV (MSN 39446)
VA1207 ARRIVING FROM CANBERRA (CBR) 14 YEARS

VIRGIN AUSTRALIA BOEING 737-8FE VH-YFW (MSN 41037)
VA382 ARRIVING FROM TOWNSVILLE (TSV) 9YEARS

JETSTAR AIRBUS A320-232 VH-YXS (MSN 5732)
JQ929 ARRIVING FROM CAIRNS (CNS) 12 YEARS

QANTAS AIRBUS A330-303 VH-QPH (695)
QF62 ARRIVING FROM TOKYO (NRT) 20 YEARS

MALAYSIA AIRLINES AIRBUS A330-323 9M-MTL (MSN 1395)
MH135 ARRIVING FROM KUALA LUMPUR (KUL) 13 YEARS

QANTAS BOEING 737-838 VH-XZQ (MSN 44227)
QF706 OFF TO CAIRNS (CNS) 10 YEARS

AIR NEW ZEALAND AIRBUS A321-271NX ZK-NNH (MSN 12513)
NZ141 ARRIVING FROM AUCKLAND (AKL) 11 MONTHS

JETSTAR AIRBUS A321-251NX VH-OFV (MSN 11301)
JQ813 OFF TO SYDNEY (SYD) 2 YEARS

QANTAS BOEING 787-9 VH-ZNG (MSN 
QF119 OFF TO AUCKLAND (AKL) 7 YEARS

CHINA EASTERN AIRBUS A330-243 B-6537 (MSN 1262)
MU715 ARRIVING FROM SHANGHAI (PVG) 14 YEARS

QANTAS AIRBUS A330-202 VH-EBD (MSN 313)
QF54 ARRIVING FROM SINGAPORE (SIN) 23 YEARS

SOLOMON AIRLINES AIRBUS A320-232 H4-SIB (MSN 2445)
IE701 OFF TO HONIARA (HIR) 20 YEARS

QANTASLINK DASH 8 Q400 VH-LQG (MSN 4376)
QLK320D OFF TO BUNDABERG (BDB) 14 YEARS

VIRGIN AUSTRALIA BOEING 737 MAX 8 VH-8IA (MSN 65045)
VA387 OFF TO TOWNSVILLE (TSV) 2 YEARS

SOLOMON AIRLINES AIRBUS A320-232 H4-SAL (MSN 5566)
IE726 OFF TO LUGANVILLE (SON) 13 YEARS

REX SAAB 340B VH-ZLO (MSN 340B-382)
ZL9911 OFF TO COFFS HARBOUR (CFS) 30 YEARS

NAURU AIRLINES BOEING 737-3U3 VH-ONU (MSN 28732)
ON406 OFF TO HONIARA (HIR) 28 YEARS

KOREAN AIR BOEING 787-9 HL7207 (MSN 34816)
KE408 ARRIVING FROM SEOUL (ICN) 7 YEARS

AIR NEW ZEALAND AIRBUS A321-271NX ZK-NND (MSN 8629)
NZ272 OFF TO WELLINGTON (WLG) 7 YEARS

SINGAPORE AIRLINES AIRBUS A350-941 9V-SHJ (MSN 328)
SQ256 OFF TO SINGAPORE (SIN) 6 YEARS

JETSTAR BOEING 787-8 VH-VKL (MSN 36238)
JQ9 OFF TO TOKYO (NRT) 10 YEARS

Looking back on Air Philippines Flight 541

Air Philippines Flight 541 was a scheduled domestic service from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL/RPLL) in Manila to Francisco Bangoy International Airport (DVO/RPMD) in Davao City. On the 19th of April 2000, the Boeing 737-2H4 crashed near Samal, Davao del Norte, during its approach, claiming the lives of all 124 passengers and 7 crew members.

The flight, operated by a Boeing 737-200, departed Manila at 05:21 and was due to arrive in Davao at approximately 06:45. It was conducting a route check for one captain, with another acting as Pilot Monitoring. The flight until the approach was without incident. During an ILS approach to runway 05, the crew was informed they would be following a Philippine Airlines flight 809, an Airbus A319. Upon breaking through the clouds, the A319 was visible on the runway. The Pilot Flying planned a 360° turn, but the Pilot Monitoring incorrectly communicated a right turn to ATC, deviating from the standard missed approach procedure which required a left turn to a 020° heading. The plane re-entered the clouds, attempting to navigate visually at a lower altitude in instrument conditions, rather than climbing to the mandatory 4000 feet.

Subsequently, the flight moved over Samal Island, requesting a VOR/DME approach for runway 23, which was approved by the controller. While aligning with the runway, the aircraft descended below the prescribed glide path, dropping to 570 feet instead of the expected 1500 feet. The aircraft then crashed into a coconut plantation on a hillside in Barangay San Isidro, broke apart, and ignited.

This crash is recorded as the most catastrophic aviation accident in the history of the Philippines and the third deadliest involving a Boeing 737-200.

Aircraft Information:

Airline: Air Philippine

Code:2P/GAP

Aircraft: Boeing 737-2H4

Registration: RP-C3010

Serial Number: 21447

Engines: 2 x Pratt & Whitney JT8D-9A

First Flew: 19/01/1978

Age: 22.3 Years

THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE FAMILIES AND FRIENDS AS THEY REMEMBER LOVED ONES TODAY

Two 737's collided at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport

A SpiceJet Boeing 737-700 which had traveled from Leh- Kushok Bakula Rimpochhe Airport (IXL/VILH) to Delhi-Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL/VIDP) was involved in a ground accident with an Akasa Air Boeing 737 MAX 8. The SpiceJet was taxiing when the aircraft struck the stationary Akasa Airplane, damaging both aircraft but causing no injuries. 

IMAGE TAKEN FROM FACEBOOK 

The incident occurred around 2:15 pm at Terminal 1 when SpiceJet flight SG-124 from Leh was taxiing to its stand and struck Akasa Air flight QP-1406, which had completed pushback for Hyderabad-Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD/VOHS). The impact damaged SpiceJet’s right winglet and Akasa’s left-hand horizontal stabiliser. Both planes were grounded, and all passengers and crew were safely disembarked, with Akasa arranging alternative travel for affected passengers.

This collision is the second such incident in just two months, after an Air India and IndiGo aircraft were involved in a minor ground collision at Mumbai airport in February. It also comes amid a spate of safety-related events at Delhi airport, including emergency landings, engine failures, and runway breaches over the past year. The recurrence of such incidents has amplified calls for stricter monitoring and adherence to aviation safety protocols.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has grounded the involved SpiceJet pilots and the air traffic controller pending investigation. 

Airline Information:

Airline: Akasa Air

Code: QP/AKJ

Registration: VT-YBA
Boeing 737 - Max 8
Serial Number 61289

Engines 2 x CFMI LEAP-1B
First Flew: 21/04/2022
Age 4 years

Airline Information:

Airline: SpiceJet

Code: SG/SEJ
Aircraft: Boeing 737-7GL

Registration: VT-SLB

Serial Number: 34760

Engines 2 x CFMI CFM56-7B20/3
First Flew: 02/08/2007
Age: 18.7 years

China Airlines damaged at Melbourne airport - looking like human error

A China Airlines Airbus A350-941 has been grounded at Melbourne Airport (MEL/YMML) after a jetbridge collision damaged its forward door.

CHINA AIRLINES AIRBUS A350-941 B-18902 (MSN 057)

The aircraft had arrived as flight CI-57 from Taipei (TPE/RCTP) on Tuesday morning. The aircraft was empty at the time, and no injuries were reported. The aircraft had completed an overnight flight from Taipei and landed at Melbourne Airport around 10.30am Tuesday morning.

After all passengers and crew had safely deplaned, the aircraft remained parked at the gate with the forward left-hand door open and the jetbridge still attached. Shortly after arrival, the aircraft began to roll backward unexpectedly. With the jetbridge connected and the door open, the movement caused the door to strike the jetbridge.

The impact partially tore the door off its hinges, resulting in significant structural damage to the door assembly.

The exact cause of the rollback has not been officially confirmed. However, early indications suggest that wheel chocks may not have been properly positioned in front of and behind the aircraft’s tires. This allowed unintended movement while the aircraft was still secured to ground equipment.


Such incidents highlight the importance of strict adherence to ground handling procedures, especially during post-arrival operations.

The scheduled return service to Taipei on Tuesday night was cancelled immediately. Engineers are now assessing whether the damage is limited to the door or extends into the fuselage structure, which would significantly impact repair time.

Jetbridge incidents usually stem from human mistakes or mechanical issues. In this situation, the main suspected cause is improper aircraft securing procedures, though the investigation is still in progress.

As of today, the aircraft remains grounded in Melbourne awaiting repairs.

Aircraft Information:
Airline: China Airlines  
Code: CI/CAL
Aircraft: Airbus A350-941
Registration: B-18902
Serial Number: 057
Engines: 2 x RR Trent XWB-84
First Flew: 27th October 2016
Age: 9 Years 

Looking back on Southwest Airlines Flight 1380

Southwest Airlines Flight 1380, a Boeing 737-700, suffered a contained engine failure in its left engine after departing from New York–LaGuardia Airport (LGA/KLGA) heading to Dallas Love Field (DAL/KDAL) on the 17th of April 2018. The engine cowl broke apart, and the resulting fragments damaged the fuselage, shattered a cabin window, and caused an explosive decompression of the aircraft. Additional debris damaged the wing. The crew initiated an emergency descent and diverted to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL/KPHL). Sadly, one passenger was fatally injured after being partially ejected from the aircraft, and eight others sustained minor to serious injuries. 

The aircraft incurred significant damage.

At 11:03 AM (Eastern Daylight Time), the aircraft was at an altitude of 32,000 feet (9,800 meters) and ascending when the left engine exploded. Consequently, a significant portion of the engine inlet and cowling fragments detached. These fragments impacted the wing and fuselage, shattering a window at row 14 in the cabin, leading to an uncontrolled decompression of the aircraft.

This incident closely resembled an accident that occurred 20 months prior involving Southwest Airlines Flight 3472, which was operating the same type of aircraft and engines. Following the earlier incident, CFM, the engine manufacturer, issued a service directive for ultrasonic inspections of turbine fan blades with specific serial numbers, service cycles, or service time. However, Southwest did not inspect the engine that failed in this incident as it did not fall within the directive's specified parameters.

Aircraft Information:

Airline: Southwest Airlines

Code: WN/SWA

Aircraft: Boeing 737-7H4

Registration: N772SW

Serial Number: 27880

Engines: 2 x CFMI CFM56-7B24

First Flew: 26th June 2000

Age: 17 Years 10 Months

Woman dies on Qantas flight from United States

A woman has unexpectedly passed away midflight on Qantas flight QF4, which left New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK/KJFK) on Sunday at 7:07 p.m. EDT, bound for Auckland (AKL/NZAA). The non-stop trip usually takes over 17 hours and covers roughly 14,200 kilometers.

A Qantas spokesperson said the medical emergency happened during the long-haul part of the flight, with both cabin crew and medical professionals onboard quickly stepping in to help.

A Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner touched down at Auckland Airport early Tuesday morning at 5:15 NZST. Following standard procedures for an in-flight death, emergency services were on hand to meet the plane upon arrival.

New Zealand Police said they were at the scene and are working with the coroner to figure out the cause of death. By Tuesday afternoon, they hadn’t released the woman’s identity or age, and it’s still unknown whether she was from New Zealand, the United States, or elsewhere.

The flight, which continues from Auckland to Sydney, was delayed by approximately 90 minutes while officials conducted their initial investigation on board.

The New York-to-Auckland route is an ultra-long-haul journey with unique challenges, as planes can be hours from the nearest diversion airport while crossing the Pacific. Qantas has expressed condolences to the family and is said to be offering support to the crew members affected by the incident.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends in this difficult time.

Irate passenger causes flight to divert

JETSTAR BOEING 787-8 VH-VKK (MSN  36237                

A woman has been charged after her alleged “erratic” and abusive behaviour led to an international flight en route to Thailand being diverted.

Federal police were alerted by airline staff to an incident on-board Jetstar flight JQ17, which was travelling from Melbourne (MEL/YMML) to Phuket (HKT/VTSP) on Sunday.

The 37-year-old woman was allegedly acting in “an increasingly erratic manner” that escalated to her “verbally abusing passengers and cabin crew”, Australian Federal Police (AFP) said.

The plane was diverted to Perth Airport where officers had to forcibly remove the woman from the plane after she refused to leave on her own.

She was charged with behaving in an offensive and disorderly manner endangering safety on an aircraft.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of a $16,500 fine.

AFP Acting Superintendent Peter Brindal condemned the woman’s alleged anti-social and abusive behaviour towards staff and passengers.


Aircraft Information:
Airline: Jetstar 
Code: JQ/JST
Aircraft: Boeing 787-8
Registration: VH-VKI
Serial Number: 36235
Engines: 2 x GEnx-1B
First Flew: 19th December 2014
Age: 11 Years 

Airlines are reducing flights and raising prices as fuel costs continue to climb.

Air India, Air New Zealand, KLM and Delta Airlines are the latest airlines to set out plans to cut flights and hike passenger charges as jet fuel prices surge due to the US-Israeli war with Iran. Many airlines around the world have had to take emergency measures to counter the rising cost of fuel, which typically makes up 20-40% of their operating costs.

Last week, the benchmark European jet fuel price hit an all-time high of $1,838 (£1,387) per tonne, compared with $831 before the war began. Analysts warned that travelers should expect further ticket price rises and more cancelled flights as the conflict continues.

The Gulf is a major source of aviation fuel, accounting for about 50% of Europe's imports. The bulk of it comes through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively closed in response to US and Israeli attacks. The increase in jet fuel prices reflects the role Middle Eastern refineries play in supplies. The Al-Zour refinery in Kuwait alone provides roughly 10% of Europe's jet fuel imports, according to Energy Intelligence.

Air New Zealand's cancellations are expected to hit routes in and out of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, with flights to smaller regional airports unchanged. The airline, which had already cut some flights last month, said on Tuesday the "vast majority" of customers affected by the cancellations were being offered alternative flights on the same day.

"Like airlines globally, we're experiencing jet fuel prices that are more than double what they would usually be" a spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, Air India said it would change the fuel surcharge on its domestic flights from a flat fee to one based on the distance of the flight. It also increased its surcharges for international flights due to what it said was "one of the most challenging fuel cost environments that airlines globally have faced in recent years".

Fuel costs in the January-March period jumped 18% compared with last year, hitting $2.7bn, Delta told investors, a day after joining other US airlines in raising checked bag fees.

With demand holding up and fuel prices still high, the airline is looking to increase airfares above already enacted price rises in the months ahead. It is also planning to cut around 3.5% of its passenger capacity, targeting red-eye and mid-week flights.

"There's a high sense of urgency to address higher fuel costs and reduce unprofitable flying," chief executive Ed Bastian said.

Many airlines in Asia have been trimming services and raising fares to cope with the situation. Major economies, including Japan and South Korea, have been particularly affected by the disruptions as they are heavily reliant on energy from the Middle East.

Last week, China Eastern Airlines said it was raising surcharges for domestic flights while Korean Air said it was moving into emergency management mode.

Airlines globally have also been taking action. United Airlines in the US and Scandinavia's SAS are among those to have cut flights and increased ticket prices.

Air France-KLM has said it will lift fares for long-haul journeys, while Cathay Pacific is raising its fuel surcharge. British Airways owner IAG and EasyJet have been able to hold off on either measure so far as they are buying their fuel at a price fixed before the war began.

However, Ryanair Michael O'Leary told Sky News last week that jet fuel supplies could start to be disrupted in May if the conflict continued.

Analysts told the BBC that rising ticket fares and flight cancellations are likely to continue.

"Starting from an already tight market, the current lack of Middle East jet fuel exports is worsening the situation," said Mick Strautmann, an analyst at data firm Vortexa.

"Given global jet fuel exports are currently at their lowest point in four years, the same level of air travel demand will likely not be sustainable if disruptions persist, meaning airlines will likely have to increase prices further, and reduce the number of flights," he said.

He added that this will be "more and more likely" as peak summer travel season summer approaches for many parts of the world.

Virgin Australia suspends Doha flight until mid-June

All of Virgin Australia’s wet-leased Qatar Airways services to Doha have been cancelled for at least the next two months.

Virgin Australia flights VA1 through VA22, including services from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, are cancelled up to and including the 15th of June as Qatar Airways continues to operate a limited schedule amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The Doha services, operated by Qatar Airways 777-300ERs, normally fly 28 times per week and were intended as a way for Virgin to test the waters for a return to long-haul travel. According to Virgin’s website, “affected guests are being contacted directly, and where possible, alternative flights are being provided”.

“Qatar Airways is gradually increasing flights to and from Doha through dedicated flight corridors established in coordination with the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority,” the airline said.

“Qatar Airways is posting updates on its website. Anyone planning to travel to the region should check the Australian government’s Smartraveller website for the latest travel advice.

“For guests booked on Virgin Australia’s Doha services with original travel dates up to and including the 15th of June 2026, where an alternative provided flight is unsuitable, we are offering free booking changes to the same destination for travel up to the 31st of October 2026, or a travel credit or refund.”

Qatar Airways is currently operating Australia services only to Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, with Brisbane to recommence on the 16th of May as it gradually rebuilds its destination network.

17-Year-old pilot flies around Australia for Little Wings

A 17-year-old Melbourne pilot will fly solo around Australia in support of Little Wings.

Melbourne student Rose departed Essendon Airport on Easter Monday to begin a solo circumnavigation of Australia in a Cessna 172, raising awareness and funds for Little Wings, a volunteer-led charity providing free, professional air and ground transport for seriously ill children across regional NSW, ACT and QLD.

Rose will fly more than 15,000 kilometers, landing at 26 airports and touching down around the Australian coastline, attempting to set a Guinness World Record as the youngest female pilot to complete the journey in a General Aviation Aircraft, demonstrating that age and gender are no barriers to achieving bold dreams.

Throughout her journey, Rose will document her progress on Instagram at@pilotrose.au, sharing daily flight logs, weather and visibility updates, safety checks, and reflections from the cockpit. A short introduction video is also available on YouTube for media use.

Rose says her motivation is simple "Little Wings helps families when they need it most. If my endeavor can shine a light on the work they do and help raise funds so more kids can get to the care they need, then every hour planning and in the air is worth it."

Flying under VFR (Visual Flight Rules) conditions, Rose will make all decisions based on safety, visibility, and weather windows. Her journey includes daily pre-flight checks, strict weather assessments, and planned stops at regional airports across the country to inspire supporters, sponsors and other young pilots.

I’m thrilled to share that Rose flew right over my house yesterday on her way from Tamworth to Archerfield.

INTERAIR CESSNA 172M SKYHAWK VH-DWE (MSN 17264267) 52 YEARS

Airports Rose will be flying into 

NEW SOUTH WALES
Bankstown
Tamworth

QUEENSLAND
Archerfield
Caloundra
Shute Harbour
Tully
Cooktown
Horn island
Karrumba
Hells gate

NORTHERN TERRITORY
Daly waters
Darwin

WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Kununurra
Broome
Karratha
Coral bay
Geraldton
Jandakot
Esperance

SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Forrest
Ceduna

Parafeild

VICTORIA
Warnambool

Mallacoota

Essendon

TASMANIA
Hobart

If you’d like to donate to Little Wings or support Rose in reaching her goal, the links are provided below.

Little Wings | Children's Charity Australia

GiveNow - Pilot Rose - Fundraising Mission For Little Wings

Looking back on the Algerian Air Force crash

On the 11th of April 2018, an Ilyushin Il-76 military transport aircraft belonging to the Algerian Air Force crashed shortly after takeoff from Boufarik Air Base (DAAK), heading to Tindouf Airport (TIN/DAOF). The crash occurred near Boufarik, Algeria, close to Blida and southwest of Algiers. All 257 individuals on board perished, marking this event as the deadliest aviation disaster on Algerian soil.

The aircraft went down at 07:50 local time (06:50 UTC), just outside Boufarik Airport's perimeter, from where it had taken off. Before the crash, witnesses observed the aircraft's wing on fire. The plane was en route to Tindouf Airport, with a scheduled stop at Boudghene Ben Ali Lotfi Airport in Béchar. The crash claimed the lives of all 10 crew members and 247 passengers, including 176 members of the Algerian People's National Army, many of whom were accompanied by family members.


Aircraft Information:
Airline: Algerian Air Force
Aircraft: Ilyushin Il-76TD
Registration: 7T-WIV
Serial Number: 1043419649
Engines: Aviadvigatel PS-90A-76

Thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends as they remember loved ones today 

Man arrested after inappropriately touching a female flight attendant.

A video capturing a passenger being handcuffed and escorted off a Malaysia Airlines flight has gone viral, following allegations of inappropriate conduct involving a female cabin crew member.

Videos shared across social media show airport security and police boarding the aircraft before removing a man, reportedly from China, while fellow passengers watch in shock. According to descriptions accompanying the clips, the man is accused of inappropriately touching a female flight attendant.

In the footage, he appears to resist as authorities escort him off the plane, while other passengers remain seated during the incident. Some social media posts also allege that the man made comments referencing “China-Malaysia relations” during the confrontation. However, the context and accuracy of these claims have not been independently verified.

At this stage, neither Malaysia Airlines nor relevant authorities have issued an official statement confirming the details of the incident.

The incident is believed to have taken place on the 8th of April.