Out of control airline passenger tried to open door to runway, Dubai court hears

Russian punched and poked police officer in eye when confronted

An airline passenger who tried to open an emergency exit leading to the runway at Dubai International Airport has been sentenced to six months in jail.

The Russian, 33, poked a police officer in the eye and punched him in the stomach during a scuffle that followed on November 26.

The incident unfolded at about 3am shortly after the man's flight landed.

Dubai Criminal Court heard from the officer who spotted the passenger.

“This door leads to the take-off area and unauthorised people are banned from going there because it poses great danger to their lives,” the 29-year-old Yemeni officer said.

He said he tried to stop the passenger but he ignored him, “then I chased him and asked him to return but he didn't listen to me,” he said.

The officer said he grabbed the suspect and it was then that the Russian lashed out.

“He poked my eye, pressing on it so hard, then he kicked my knee so I was in pain and could not chase him,” said the officer.

He called for police back-up, who arrested the passenger.

The Russian will be deported on his release.