Pregnant Passenger's Airport Meltdown Over Flight Ban
A dramatic scene unfolded aboard a Tibet Airlines flight at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport in China on Monday when a pregnant woman reportedly erupted into an hour-long screaming rant after being informed she couldn't travel. The incident occurred after the passenger had already boarded the aircraft alongside other travellers.
The Onboard Confrontation
Footage from inside the plane showed a crowd gathering at the end of the aircraft as the woman's angry shouts echoed through the cabin. According to witnesses, the confrontation began when airline staff asked her to disembark after she allegedly revealed she was more than 35 weeks pregnant and required special assistance.
Many passengers were already seated as cabin crew attempted to calm the distressed woman. The situation became so intense that the captain emerged from the cockpit to personally persuade her to leave the aircraft peacefully. Despite these efforts, the disagreement continued for over an hour before the matter was finally resolved.
Airline Policies and Final Outcome
A Tibet Airlines customer service representative clarified the company's pregnancy travel policy, stating that women up to 32 weeks pregnant can fly unless medically unfit. For those between 32 and 35 weeks, the airline requires a medical certificate issued within 72 hours before departure and a signed risk disclosure form.
Ultimately, police officers escorted the woman and her husband off the plane, bringing the tense situation to a close. Guidance from China's Civil Aviation Administration explicitly states that airlines won't transport passengers who are over 35 weeks pregnant, and expectant mothers should declare their condition before flying.
No injuries were reported from the incident, and the airline hasn't announced any disciplinary action against staff involved. The incident highlights the importance of understanding airline pregnancy policies before travelling.
