Indian flyers don’t know how to act during emergencies? A report suggests so

Indian flyers were shown in poor light during an investigation by the UAE aviation authorities. The preliminary reports while probing the flight EK-521 incident, which burst into flames minutes after landing that was flying from Kerala to Dubai on August 3 with 282 passengers, of which were Indians, indicated Indians did not follow the instructions at all.

As per the reports, during the crash landing, Indians on-board the flight created mayhem and grabbed their hand baggage, even after cabin crew told them not to.

According to the preliminary report by UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, passengers were carrying their handbags despite being told not to, during the crucial time of evacuation. The report however, didn’t named Indians openly, but it was quite clear with the line, “with 80% of flyers on the plane from the country.”

According to the report, "The cabin crew members stated that when the aircraft got impacted and slid along the runway, passengers started to unfasten their seatbelts and stand up. An announcement was made for the passengers to remain seated. When the aircraft came to rest, some passengers were screaming, grabbing their belongings, and asking the cabin crew members to open the doors."

"The cabin crew members followed the operator's safety instructions that prohibit passengers taking their carry-on baggage during an evacuation, and they instructed the passengers to leave their bags behind. However, several passengers evacuated the aircraft carrying their baggage. Footage of the evacuation showed a number of passengers outside the aircraft with their baggage," the report adds.

It’s normal human behavior to panic in such situations. But several crew members and pilots of Indian carriers say Indians as flyers have absurd behavior. However, those who fly for the first time are not much of a problem compared to the frequent “Desi” flyer.

According to a pilot "The behavior of scores of frequent flyers is also not good. They hanker for free liquor so much that crew has to firmly deny them more drinks. Their behavior with the crew is also not appropriate as they can be rude to airhostesses."
(image:Reuters)