Mid-air drama on Vistara flight by ‘drunk’ Italian woman.
A 45-year-old Italian woman was arrested on Monday by Mumbai police for assaulting crew mid-air on a Vistara flight soon after taking off from Abu Dhabi.
Paola Perruccio was travelling with an economy class ticket but reportedly kept on sitting in the business class cabin.
When she was confronted by flight attendants, Perruccio allegedly punched one crew member and spat on another.
According to reports, Perruccio, who was described as being intoxicated, removed some of her clothes and walked up and down the aisle in a partially naked state hurling abuses at crew and passengers.
She was restrained for the remainder of the flight and arrested upon arrival at Mumbai, India in the early hours on Monday.
“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.
A report by Hindustan Times quoted an officer from Sahar police station as saying, “At around 2.30 am, the woman, who was seated in the economy class, suddenly got up, ran to the business class and took a seat there. Two members of the cabin crew approached her to enquire if she needed help. When the flier did not respond, they requested her to return to her assigned seat. At this point, she started shouting at them and made aggressive gestures, leading the crew to suspect she was abusing them.”
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.
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