Emirates Takes Action Against Cabin Crew Over Viral BTS Video

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DUBAI- A former Emirates (EK) flight attendant’s viral video has reportedly led to disciplinary action against multiple crew members, sources within the airline reveal.

The controversial footage, which garnered over 1.2 million views on YouTube, exposed unauthorized activities during a flight to Shanghai, flagged PYOK.

Photo: Emirates

Emirates Action Against Crew

Social media influencer and ex-Emirates crew member Amanda King documented intimate details of airline operations in her video series, including a revealing segment titled ‘Things you DON’T see as a Passenger.’

The content showcased several policy violations, including unauthorized food preparation and restricted area access.

Sources indicate that King’s footage captured cabin crew members baking a cake mid-flight and allowing unauthorized access to the crew rest area, where her boyfriend was permitted entry. These actions directly violated the Emirates’ strict operational protocols.

The airline launched an investigation after the video was published despite King resigning from her position. The probe focused on the remaining crew members who participated in or allowed the documented violations.

King’s broader video series delved into multiple aspects of Emirates’ operations, including crew compensation and layover experiences. While these videos provided public insight into the airline industry, the Shanghai flight footage crossed operational boundaries that Emirates enforces.

Photo: Emirates

Strict Oversight

The airline’s investigation revealed additional policy breaches when former flight attendant Amanda King documented herself switching jumpseats to maintain proximity with her boyfriend during critical flight phases. This unauthorized seat exchange violated standard safety protocols.

Emirates management expressed concerns about the video’s exposure to sensitive safety equipment locations and storage areas, viewing this as a potential security risk. The footage inadvertently revealed confidential operational details that airlines typically protect.

The incident has broader implications for the crew members who witnessed these violations. Sources indicate that Emirates is reviewing its compliance with mandatory reporting requirements, as witnesses failed to alert management about these infractions during the flight.

Industry experts note that while minor protocol deviations occur in aviation operations, broadcasting these incidents on social media platforms creates significant liability issues for airlines and their employees.

Photo: British Airways

Digital Era Challenges

British Airways (BA) implemented strict social media regulations in 2023, restricting employee content creation during active duty hours. The policy prohibits pilots from sharing cockpit photos, crew members from posting aircraft-based images, and unauthorized passenger photographs without written consent.

The airline’s updated guidelines specifically ban footage from crew rest areas and operational activities like meal services or passenger boarding. British Airways clarified that these rules aim to provide clear boundaries rather than impose a complete social media ban, suggesting employees limit photography to break periods.

Qatar Airways (QR) reversed its conservative stance in early 2023, permitting uniformed crew members to share their images on social media platforms for the first time since 2016. The previous ban emerged from a controversial incident where a flight attendant posted photos of abandoned abayas from passengers traveling to Europe, leading to cultural sensitivity concerns and subsequent termination.

The incident prompted Qatar Airways to temporarily prohibit crew members from identifying their employment status on social media platforms. This restrictive period lasted from 2016 until the policy revision in 2023, marking a significant shift in the airline’s approach to social media presence.

These policy changes reflect the aviation industry’s evolving response to social media challenges, as airlines balance brand protection, operational security, and employee expression in the digital age.

Featured Image by Clément Alloing | Flickr

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