Why was this 10-year-old boy and his father removed from a flight in Colombia?

A flight in Colombia witnessed dramatic scenes when the pilot decided to take it back to the holding area to deboard two passengers. The two passengers included a 10-year old boy who refused to wear the seat belt and sit down and his father who was trying to control him. This resulted in a delayed take off leaving the passengers fuming. Latam Airlines 4049 was traveling on the Santa Marta to Bogota sector. The flight was delayed by an hour. This incident comes in the midst of various other flights across the world running into rough weather. The importance of the seat belt is back in the forefront of aviation safety.

Incident:

Passengers on board this flight claimed that the boy was not wanting to remain seated or fasten his seatbelt. This resulted in the flight being unable to take off due to safety reasons. Angry passengers were seen demanding that the crew remove the unruly child and the father who was trying to control the situation.

Flight returns to the terminal:

One of the cabin crew members announced on board that the flight will be unable to take off until the flight regulations including mandatory wearing of seat belts are followed. They further announced that they were returning to the holding area to deplane the passengers who were not complying with the rules.

It was reported that child became more agitated in the holding area while the crew was trying to reassure the other passengers. An airport staff finally boarded the aircraft and spoke to the father who then decided to de-board from the aircraft along with the son.

Passengers’ reaction:

Most of the passengers on board the aircraft supported the decision of the airlines to deboard the father-son duo who were delaying the flight. Many of them complained about the delayed flight. Some other passengers wanted to give the benefit of doubt to the child.

FAQs
How important are seat belts on board aircrafts?
Recent incidents including the Singapore International Airlines flight that experience massive air turbulence causing the death of one passenger, brings back the focus on seat belts. Research indicates that due to climate change we will see more such incidents and passengers will have to follow the safety guidelines.

What is the US law on wearing of seat belts on flights?
It has been mandated by law that all passengers must wear seatbelt on flights. Hence, it is illegal not to wear a seatbelt during take offs and landings.