Man sues UAE airline over obese passenger injuring his back

Dubai - A man has sued Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways, claiming that he had injured his back after sitting next to an obese man.

Airlines are facing an obese dilemma, and a debatable one too. A man has sued Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways, claiming that he had injured his back after sitting next to an obese man on a flight from Sydney to Dubai in 2011.
James Andres Bassos is claiming damages in a district court in Queensland and has said that "he was forced to twist and contort his body for long periods on a flight in 2011". Bassos said that he was injured because of a "grossly overweight" passenger who was spilling into his seat, coughing frequently and had fluid coming from his mouth, international media reported on Thursday.
He also claimed that after five hours, he had asked to be moved but airline staff allegedly refused. Etihad reportedly tried to throw out the claim arguing it was not unusual to have overweight passengers taking up too much space, or coughing passengers.
In a statement sent to Khaleej Times, Etihad said: "It would be inappropriate to comment in detail on this case as legal proceedings are underway. Etihad Airways will continue to oppose the action and now that Bassos will finally face a medical assessment in December 2015, as directed by court, we believe that the matter will proceed to an early conclusion."
reporters@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi