In a significant move, Cathay Pacific Airways has blacklisted two Cantonese-speaking passengers following an incident of harassment against a mainland Chinese traveler on flight CX253 from Hong Kong to London on September 17, 2024. The altercation escalated when the mainland passenger reclined her seat, prompting the couple to accuse her of obstructing their view. Reports indicate that they jostled her seat, kicked her arm, and verbally attacked her with discriminatory slurs [c796f950].
The incident sparked considerable outrage on social media, leading to over 180,000 likes and 28,500 comments on the platform Xiaohongshu, reflecting a strong public sentiment regarding the airline's actions [c796f950]. On September 21, 2024, Cathay Pacific announced the ban, emphasizing its zero-tolerance policy towards abusive behavior. The affected passenger expressed satisfaction with the airline's response, highlighting the need for better treatment of all passengers [c796f950].
Industry leaders, including Allan Zeman and lawmaker Gary Zhang Xinyu, have voiced their support for Cathay's decision, underscoring the importance of protecting customers from diverse backgrounds [969664b2]. This incident follows previous complaints against Cathay staff regarding discrimination against non-English speakers, indicating ongoing tensions in the region [59c7e594].
In a related context, the Hong Kong Blind Union has called for an investigation after HK Express forcibly removed two visually impaired passengers from a flight to Tokyo on May 22. The passengers had notified the airline about their disability in advance and had checked in without issues. However, just before departure, a crew member asked if they were accompanied by parents and requested them to disembark for 'safety reasons.' The union has invited Secretary for Transport and Logistics Lam Sai-hung to a meeting and urged Cathay Pacific to follow up on the incident [19df66f8].
Additionally, three foreign-born residents of Japan have filed a civil lawsuit against the national and local governments, alleging racial profiling and discrimination. The plaintiffs, seeking around ¥3 million ($20,300) in damages each, claim they have been repeatedly stopped and questioned by police based on their race, which they argue violates the Japanese Constitution and international treaties [9c94dc30].
This lawsuit highlights the ongoing issues of racial discrimination in Japan, where police questioning can often be based on a person's appearance rather than their actions. This has sparked a broader discussion about the rights of foreign residents and the need for legal protections against such practices [358abc0a].
In another case, five women in Japan have launched a lawsuit to fight for the right to undergo voluntary sterilization, challenging outdated laws that require spousal consent for such procedures. This case not only addresses women's rights but also touches on Japan's declining birth rate and its implications for the country's future [544bf83d].
As the aviation industry grapples with various forms of harassment, both Cathay Pacific and All Nippon Airways have introduced guidelines to combat customer harassment, which has been on the rise. These guidelines include mandatory training for staff and a clear code of conduct for passengers [b6fc7d39].
In Hong Kong, the Transport Department is reviewing the physical fitness certification for drivers, including vision standards, in light of outdated requirements that have been criticized for not adequately ensuring road safety [1b423ea0].