Photograph ©istockphoto.com by Tony Johansson.
In a fit of “air rage”, a 35-year-old Australian man aboard an exclusive business class aircraft operated by British Airways reportedly attempted to butt the captain of the flight with his head while en route to London City Airport.
The small 32-seat aircraft with 30 passengers aboard was forced to divert to Shannon Airport in Ireland. The flight had originated at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.
Damian Kington allegedly attempted to butt Mike Jones — the captain of the flight — with his head after reportedly cursing and swearing in the galley as a result of being warned in writing to remain in his seat and cease behaving in an unruly manner. Kington was reportedly restrained by two people.
Kington — who had supposedly taken a sedative, a sleeping pill and several glasses of wine before the incident — was reportedly arrested and released on bail.
There is currently a debate by FlyerTalk members as to what would be the appropriate punishment for Kington. Should he be banned for life from ever being a passenger again on British Airways flights? Does Kington deserve to be incarcerated for ten years? Should the company for whom Kington currently works consider terminating his employment? Should Kington compensate fellow passengers for any losses they may have suffered as a result of the ordeal? Perhaps a combination of any of the above punitive actions should be considered?
Another question to consider: what compelled Jones to confront Kington in the passenger cabin rather than remain protected behind the cockpit door?
What do you think?