Letters | Cathay Pacific emergency evacuation: penalise passengers who took their bags

Readers discuss the importance of following safety protocols during an emergency, the MTR’s handling of passenger anxiety during unexpected events, and the dangers of deep-sea expeditions

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Eleven passengers on a Cathay Pacific Airways flight were injured while evacuating via emergency slides on June 24 when the aircraft abruptly aborted its take-off at Hong Kong International Airport. Photo: Handout

Published: 11:30am, 27 Jun 2023

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I refer to the article, “Close shave for Hong Kong Cathay Pacific flight, as ‘12 wheels damaged’ when emergency brakes applied just before take-off” (June 24).

As a frequent Cathay Pacific traveller, I was astounded to read that some passengers on CX880 apparently scrambled to get their luggage after the evacuation order was issued.

Retrieving baggage while evacuating is extremely dangerous for everyone on board. It delays the evacuation by slowing down passenger flow and maybe even blocking aisles. The bags may also cause damage to the evacuation slide as they are thrown, in addition to potentially injuring other evacuating passengers. Those people who stopped to get their bags are selfish and thoughtless.

CCTV footage must be reviewed to identify these passengers. The Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department should prosecute them for failing to comply with safety instructions and Cathay Pacific must issue them with a permanent flight ban for endangering the safety of all others on board.

A strong public message must be sent that safety cannot be compromised.