An angry passenger allegedly slapped a flight attendant on a packed plane after they bumped into each other by mistake.
The 71-year-old passenger has been placed on a permanent no-fly list by the airline.
Footage appeared to show her slapping the flight attendant across the face.
READ MORE: Influencer in hot water for ‘looting’ overturned lorry filled with olive oil
The row took place on a Tigerair Taiwan flight from Fukushima in Japan to Taipei, Taiwan, last Friday (3 Apr).
As Flight IT753 was making its descent, the captain instructed all passengers to remain seated with their seatbelts fastened.
Despite the warnings, the elderly passenger, identified by her surname Zhang, stood up in the cabin to put her shoes on.
The 33-year-old flight attendant, surnamed Liu, was patrolling the aisle to ensure cabin safety when she inadvertently bumped into the elderly passenger.
Ms. Zhang immediately became agitated and began shouting loudly at the crew, according to the airline.
The flight attendant apologised and immediately offered medical assistance and an ice pack to the passenger.
However, the situation escalated and Ms. Zhang allegedly slapped the attendant’s face.
The cabin crew immediately notified the pilot who alerted airport cops on the ground.
One witness said: “The flight attendant asked if she needed a doctor, and she said it wasn’t serious, but she continued yelling and even slapped the attendant.
“It’s truly admirable how hard these flight attendants work.”
Upon landing at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, officers from the Aviation Police Bureau boarded the plane to take Ms Zhang into custody.
Both the passenger and the flight attendant have indicated that they intend to sue each other for battery, with the crew member adding additional charges of public insult.
In an official statement, Tigerair Taiwan condemned the passenger’s behaviour and confirmed that they are providing legal assistance to their staff.
They also confirmed that Ms Chang has been formally blacklisted from all future flights with the airline, as reported by Need To Know.
A spokesperson said: “During the journey, a passenger lost control of her emotions and slapped an on-duty cabin crew member.
“Tigerair Taiwan expresses the strongest condemnation against such behaviour that seriously violates employee dignity and personal safety.
“We will fully defend our colleagues’ legal rights and have appointed lawyers to assist the staff involved.
“The safety of crew members on duty is closely related to flight safety.
“To protect the rights and interests of all colleagues and passengers, the airline has placed the passenger exhibiting irrational behaviour in the cabin on our no-fly list.”
The investigation into the alleged assault is ongoing.
READ MORE: Suspicious wife dangles from back of hubby’s truck to catch him cheating
