Irate VN Airlines passenger can sue with proof

The Civil Aviation Authority of Viet Nam (CAAV) has intervened in the dispute between Viet Nam Airlines and a passenger saying the latter can sue the national carrier if he can back his allegations with evidence.

The passenger on flight VN1169 from Ha Noi to HCM City on Monday night was escorted out by security forces after flight attendants complained that he was causing trouble.

Le Minh Khuong accused flight attendants of unfairly reporting that he was shouting and “causing trouble,” leading to security forces escorting him out of the aircraft. Viet Nam Airlines said they took the action to ensure safety for the flight and other passengers.

Lai Xuan Thanh, deputy head of CAAV, said the passenger would be fined as he was found violating flight security regulations, but he could sue Viet Nam Airlines if he had proof he was slandered by the flight attendants.

The trouble began early Tuesday morning when VNA1169 had to make an unscheduled stop in Da Nang due to bad weather in HCM City. Khuong, a Taewondo coach, and his father, asked the crew to leave the aircraft and were denied permission.

Chief pilot Ivanov and chief of the cabin crew Trinh Thi Hoa refused, saying this would further delay takeoff.

When the aircraft prepared to take off, Khuong allegedly began to shout and refused to return to his seat in economy class. Eileen Tan, a passenger in business-class seat 1C, said he had occupied her seat and refused to give it up.

The crew decided to return to the terminal and notified security personnel accordingly, said Tu Van Suu of Da Nang Airport Security Services Company.

Four officers boarded the plane and asked Khuong to leave. When he refused, they forcibly brought him out, but they did not assault him, Suu said in a report.

Khuong said the security men handled him and his 70-year-old father in a ‘physically rough’ way.

According to the Central Airports Authority, Khuong could face a fine of between VND500,000 to VND1 million (US$47,619) for failing to comply with security rules on board the flight or a fine of VND1 to 3 million for causing disorder and not maintaining discipline during the flight.

On Thursday, Khuong said what he needs is an apology, not compensation for the insults he suffered in the case, from Viet Nam Airlines.

Tags: Vietnam Airlines scandal