Passenger abused airline staff after drinking for four hours

An airline passenger verbally abused check-in staff after drinking for four hours before his flight to the UK.

The 37-year-old man was arrested for shouting and swearing at Emirates employees as well as making obscene gestures.

Police at Dubai International Airport, who were called to calm the passenger before his flight to Birmingham, were also insulted, Dubai Criminal Court heard.

The man was charged with eight counts, including making threats, assaulting an officer, committing an act of public indecency and consuming alcohol.

He admitted drinking but denied the other charges, saying he could not remember anything that took place.

The incident started when the passenger complained check-in staff were talking too long

“He started threatening me saying that he was a British citizen and could have me fired and sent back home,” one Indian employee said.

“Then he used his mobile phone to take videos of what was happening, which unnerved the passengers.”

The incident happened on July 14 as the Briton, who was not named, prepared to fly home.

The dispute arose shortly after the tourist handed over his passport to check-in staff and complained that they were taking too long.

“I approached him and identified myself only to be insulted too,” said the police officer called to deal with the incident.

The officer said the traveller also deliberately stepped on his foot, shoved him and threatened to get him fired.

During police questioning, the tourist admitted drinking for four hours in his hotel room before making his way to the airport.

“I was drunk at the time and I can’t remember any of what happened,” he told the court.

A verdict in the case is expected on October 11.