Unruly passenger restrained on Dubai-London flight

A passenger on board an Emirates flight had to be restrained after becoming disruptive on board a flight between Dubai and the UK, according to an Emirates spokesperson.

"Emirates can confirm that on February 14, an incident occurred on flight EK 005 from Dubai to London Heathrow whereby an unruly passenger was restrained by cabin crew," the spokesperson noted, adding that the passenger was handed over to authorities in London upon arrival.

"The safety of our passengers and crew is of critical importance and will not be compromised," the spokesperson added. "As the matter is now under police investigation Emirates cannot comment any further on the incident."

Britain's Huffington Post UK quoted a passenger on board the aircraft as saying that the incident had begun in the food preparation area of the aircraft, and that the unruly passenger had to be restrained with a seatbelt and a facemask.

Various British media outlets have quoted Scotland Yard as saying that the passenger - a 30-year-old Dutch national - was arrested on suspicion of common assault.