A Russian tourist returning to Moscow from Cuba attempted to open one of the emergency doors of the aircraft during the flight for unknown reasons. According to passenger testimonies cited by a local Telegram channel, the individual suddenly began shouting loudly and cursing.
Although the crew tried to calm the man, identified as "Alexey," their efforts were in vain. At one point, he abruptly jumped from his seat and tried to open the emergency door. The crew had no choice but to restrain him with belts and plastic disposable handcuffs for the duration of the 12-hour flight.
The source mentioned that even after being restrained, the passenger spent several hours screaming, cursing, and demanding to be freed. In a moment of desperation, he even banged his head against the wall. When the plane landed at Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow, the individual was handed over to the police.
As of the closing of this report, no additional details about the incident have emerged, including the airline involved, although Rossiya is one of the airlines that frequently flies to the island.
Previous Incidents on Russia-Cuba Flights
This is not the first case of a disruptive tourist on a flight between Russia and Cuba. Recently, officials from the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) denied entry to Cuba to a Russian traveler who exhibited “aggressive and destructive” behavior during a flight from Moscow to Varadero with Rossiya Airlines.
The incident was reported in August but actually occurred in November 2023, when MININT ordered the deportation of the traveler, who left the country on the return flight to Moscow on the same aircraft he had arrived on. In that case, it was detailed that the disruptive passenger "refused to sit in his seat, attempted to smoke in the cabin, and made threats. The crew managed to stabilize the situation, but the incident resulted in the troublemaker being denied entry to the country upon arrival at Varadero airport."
Rossiya filed a lawsuit against the passenger, who was forced to reimburse the airline for expenses totaling 50,000 rubles (approximately $543).
In 2023 alone, Rossiya reported 678 cases of disruptive behavior aboard its flights, with more than half of them related to passenger alcohol intoxication.
Growth of Russian Tourism in Cuba
Russian tourism to Cuba has seen significant growth in recent years, especially in 2024, with a 141% increase compared to the previous year. This surge is partly due to efforts by the Cuban government to attract more visitors from Russia through negotiating more direct flights and promoting Russian investments in the island's hotel sector.
Despite the challenges facing tourism in Cuba, such as deteriorating infrastructure and rising crime, Russian tourists have become a crucial market for sustaining the struggling tourism industry on the island.
FAQs about Disruptive Passengers on Flights
Given the recent incidents involving disruptive passengers on flights between Russia and Cuba, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
What should passengers do if they witness someone trying to open an emergency door during a flight?
Passengers should immediately alert the flight crew and avoid intervening themselves unless absolutely necessary for safety reasons.
How do airlines handle disruptive passengers?
Airlines have protocols in place to manage disruptive passengers, which can include restraining them, making emergency landings, and involving law enforcement upon arrival.
What are the consequences for passengers who display aggressive or dangerous behavior on flights?
Passengers who exhibit such behavior can face legal actions, including fines, lawsuits, and being banned from future flights with the airline.
Why has there been an increase in disruptive behavior on flights?
The increase in disruptive behavior can be attributed to several factors, including alcohol consumption, stress, and mental health issues among passengers.