National airline blacklists MP Jabir after ugly tirade

Maldivian airline has temporarily blacklisted Kaashidhoo MP Abdullah Jabir from travelling on its flights for verbally abusing a seaplane pilot and crew members. The company has also filed a complaint with the police.

A video of Jabir verbally abusing a pilot and other crew members of a Maldivian seaplane went viral on social media on Wednesday.

A Maldivian official told Atoll Times on Thursday that Jabir's actions had 'compromised' the safety and security of the pilot and crew. He said the company would not accept that under any circumstances.

"Our top priority is to ensure the safety and security of the crew and passengers. There is a procedure to be followed in such cases. The matter has now been reported to the police," he said.

The company is also investigating the matter and Jabir will not be able to travel on any Maldivian flight until the investigations are completed, he said.

"This is a temporary ban [detention]. Action will be taken after the case is investigated," he said.

The video circulating on social media shows Jabir on one of his tirades on the platform of the seaplane, spitting threats in garbled dialogues at the pilot. It is clear enough that he said the pilot should be arrested, amongst the threats. While Jabir continued walking from end to end of the platform and even came physically close to the pilot as he issued his threats and curses, the pilot and crew are seen in the video to remain politely unresponsive.

Jabir could not be reached for comment on the matter.

Jabir has decided to contest for another term in the upcoming parliamentary elections as an independent candidate after he was expelled from the main opposition MDP. Jabir had contested the opposition MDP primary held on Saturday and won the party's ticket.