Etihad, Australia’s newest airline arrival has responded to what it says are false claims about needing to purchase a permit to consume alcohol onboard Etihad Airways.
The claims have been circulating after the airline was involved in an incident, resulting in a court case in Abu Dhabi, arising from the incident on 26 April, when three Australian passengers were considered to have behaved offensively on a flight from Sydney to Abu Dhabi.
Etihad Airways says that repeated requests and warnings for them to stop behaving inappropriately, they continued to act in a manner which caused significant concern to staff and passengers.
The charges the men faced in Abu Dhabi included sexual assault, indecent exposure and abuse of a cabin crew member, with two of the defendants found guilty of sexual harassment and all three deported this week.
Etihad Airways has clarified that there is no requirement whatsoever to purchase a permit to consume alcohol onboard as is the case with all leading international airlines.
Etihad Airways says that they offer a world class selection of food and alcoholic beverages, served responsibility to passengers during all flights.
Duty-free alcohol is not permitted for consumption onboard as this affects the cabin crew’s ability to monitor alcoholic intake.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade also says that international travellers flying to destinations that specify prescription drugs be kept in their original packaging, should also have an accompanying letter from their doctor.
Etihad Airways says that their number one priority is the safety and comfort of customers and staff and their zero tolerance policy towards disruptive passengers will be strictly upheld.
Report by The Mole
