A passenger – who was reportedly out of control on a flight from Iceland to the New York at the weekend – had to be bound and taped to his seat, according to reports.
What is thought to be a photo of the incident surfaced on social media websites on Saturday 5 January. The picture appeared to show a middle-aged man with his hands bound behind his back and taped to his seat around his torso. His legs had also been tied together just above the knees.
Officials from Icelandair later confirmed that there had been “an incident with a passenger on the flight from Reykjavik to New York”, in which a man was restrained by crew and fellow travellers after “hitting, screaming and spitting at other passengers, while yelling profanities,” CNN reports.
However, the airline said it could not validate the photograph.
Icelandair spokesman Michael Raucheisen told the media, “To ensure the safety of those on board, he was restrained by passengers and crew and was monitored for his own safety for the duration of the flight.”
Mr Raucheisen went on to add that subduing dangerous passengers in such a manner is standard protocol for the Keflavik airport-based airline: “This equipment is on board all our flights in case an incident like this arises.”
The man – who according to some reports had drank a full bottle of spirits – was detained at JFK airport upon arrival and was taken to hospital.