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An unruly passenger accused of trying to force open a plane door and injuring an attendant mid-flight last week – prompting fellow passengers to duct-tape him – has been charged in federal court, a federal prosecutor’s office said. Abdul-al-Jabbar Oloruntoba Olaiya, 29, was charged with interfering with a flight crew by assault or intimidation in connection with actions he’s accused of taking during a November 19 flight from Milwaukee to Dallas, the office of the US attorney from Texas’ northern district said Tuesday. The tussle on American Airlines Flight 1915 is the latest example of apparent air passenger misbehavior – a problem that’s worsened for airlines since before the pandemic, with at least 1,854 incidents reported this year to the Federal Aviation Administration. The November 19 incident began as the defendant told a flight attendant that he wanted – he needed – “to exit the aircraft now,” according to a report from the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Department of Public Safety.<br/>

Doha-based Qatar Airways said Chinese travelers continue to exhibit strong demand for international travel, which contributed to its revenue growth, and the carrier is bullish on its growth potential in China after operating in the country for over 20 years. Key Chinese cities like Shanghai; Beijing; Guangzhou, Guangdong province; and Hong Kong continue to show strong demand, particularly in the premium travel segment, the carrier said. "We are confident in Qatar Airways' growth potential in China. These hubs remain vital for business travelers, and we have seen a robust recovery in premium travel as companies resume international engagements. These cities have maintained their positions as key gateways due to the volume of outbound business passengers," said Thierry Antinori, CCO of Qatar Airways. "Our partnerships with China Southern Airlines for flights connecting Doha and Guangzhou and with Xiamen Airlines for Beijing, enabling double daily flights to those two cities, have been further testament to the robust demand," Antinori said.<br/>