Refer China: Japan-to-China Flight Turns Back Over In-Flight Seat Dispute

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Japan-to-China Flight Turns Back Over In-Flight Seat Dispute

A Spring Airlines Japan flight, IJ005, scheduled to fly from Tokyo Narita Airport to Shanghai, made an emergency return shortly after takeoff due to what the airline described as an "unlawful act" that compromised onboard order and safety.

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On December 2, staff at Tokyo Narita Airport confirmed that the affected flight had experienced a delay but successfully departed again the same day and landed in Shanghai. Spring Airlines Japan released an official statement attributing the return to a passenger's behavior that interfered with the safe operation of the flight. The airline confirmed it had issued compensation to all passengers.

According to multiple passengers onboard, the situation began when a male and female passenger discovered that their assigned seats were not next to each other. The man requested a seat change from the cabin crew but was informed that an 800 yen adjustment fee would apply.

Refusing to pay the fee, the man engaged in a heated verbal dispute with the flight attendants. As the argument escalated, the cabin environment became increasingly tense and disorderly.

The disruption reached a point where the crew decided to contact authorities. Given the need to cooperate with Japanese police for further investigation, the flight crew made the decision to return to Narita Airport.

Upon landing, the male passenger was taken into custody by Japanese law enforcement. Video footage from the scene shows the man cooperating with police without resistance. As of now, official details of the investigation have not been released.

One passenger recalled that the conflict began shortly after takeoff and lasted for nearly two hours—until the aircraft finally landed back in Tokyo. The prolonged tension left a significant number of passengers stranded and frustrated.

The airline confirmed that compensation was provided to all passengers, and that every effort was made to facilitate their onward travel.

Flight IJ005 was originally scheduled to depart Tokyo Narita Airport at 19:20 local time on December 1 and arrive in Shanghai Pudong at 22:00. It actually took off at 19:43, but the in-flight incident forced it to return. The rescheduled flight departed at around 10:00 AM on December 2 and landed in Shanghai at 12:21 PM.

Source: 南方都市报