Country toughens punishments on unruly passengers after incident involving daughter of Korean Air boss and bag of macadamias

This article is more than 4 years old

This article is more than 4 years old





South Korea has introduced a new “anti-nut rage” law, prompted by an angry outburst by the daughter of Korean Air’s boss over a bag of macadamias.

The revised aviation law, which drastically toughens punishments on unruly passengers, was a direct result of the “nut rage” incident involving Cho Hyun-Ah in December 2014, the transport ministry said.

‘Nut queen’ uproar highlights Korean anger over elite Read more

“The amended law reflects mounting public demand for enhanced aviation safety and the prevention of unruly behaviour during flight following the Korean Air nut rage incident,” the ministry said in a press statement.

Under the new law, anyone who disturbs the pilot during a flight could face up to five years in prison or a 50m-won (£29,000) fine. In the past, the same offence incurred only a 5m-won fine without the risk of a jail term.

In addition, crew members are now obliged to hand over unruly passengers to the authorities – failing to do so risks a 10m-won fine.

Cho, 41, served five months in jail before walking free last May after an appeals court overturned her conviction for violating aviation safety laws.

Cho was a Korean Air vice-president at the time of her outburst on board a Seoul-bound flight that had just left the gate in New York.

As the plane was taxiing to the runway, Cho, sitting in first class, became enraged when a flight attendant served her nuts in a bag, rather than on a plate.

She lambasted the chief steward over the behaviour of his cabin crew and then ordered the plane back to the gate so he could be ejected.