KUWAIT CITY— A popular YouTube travel vlogger faced threats of police detention and legal consequences aboard Kuwait Airways (KU) during a recent first-class flight from Kuwait City (KWI) to Bangkok (BKK).
The incident unfolded when the vlogger, Nonstop Dan, was confronted mid-flight by cabin crew for recording content, despite earlier acknowledgment of his YouTube presence. The situation escalated after landing, with police involvement and demands to delete the footage.
Kuwait Airways Detained YouTuber
Nonstop Dan, a widely followed airline reviewer, boarded Kuwait Airways Flight KU411 from Kuwait International Airport (KWI) to Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok (BKK), intending to document his first-class experience.
About 90 minutes before landing, the purser returned to his seat and claimed filming was prohibited without prior approval from the airline’s marketing department.
Although Dan had already identified himself as a YouTuber at the beginning of the flight and had not recorded any passengers or sensitive areas, the crew insisted he cease recording and delete all footage.
The situation intensified when the purser demanded that Dan sign a document pledging not to post the video, warning him of potential consequences upon arrival if he refused, OMAAT reported.
When Dan declined to sign, citing a lack of written airline policy, the purser continued pressing him, even claiming that the captain was angered by the incident.
A passenger was brought forward to support the crew’s claim, though she later appeared unbothered and even complimented the airline during a brief conversation with Dan.
ALSO READ: American Airlines Boeing 777 Pilot Scolded By Delhi ATC During Taxiing
Police Confrontation Upon Landing
After landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport, the conflict escalated further. The purser blocked Dan from deplaning, saying the captain needed to speak with him. The captain reprimanded Dan, warning of cultural and legal violations tied to filming onboard, before airline managers and local police arrived.
Initially, the police were informed that Dan had recorded “sensitive security equipment,” a claim he strongly denied. After verifying the footage and clarifying with the crew, officers ultimately allowed him to leave without charges or deletion of content.
Dan later released two videos: one reviewing the flight and another detailing the confrontation, which has since drawn significant attention and criticism online.
This incident highlights inconsistencies in Kuwait Airways’ media policies and raises concerns about the treatment of media professionals on government-owned airlines.
While other global carriers often embrace influencer marketing and transparency, Kuwait Airways’ handling of this event has triggered a backlash.
Experts in aviation and social media note that clear, accessible filming guidelines should be communicated before or during boarding.
The last-minute enforcement and threats of legal action against a recognized travel vlogger may have inadvertently drawn more attention to the matter—a textbook example of the “Streisand Effect.”
Potential for Resolution and Policy Reform
Although Dan was ultimately allowed to depart without arrest, the encounter has reignited conversations about transparency, accountability, and professionalism within airline operations, particularly those operating under government ownership.
As Kuwait Airways (KU) seeks to modernize its fleet and improve brand perception in competitive international markets, such incidents risk overshadowing genuine service improvements.
Clearer communication, standardized policies, and respectful enforcement may help avoid similar controversies in the future.
Feature Image by Clément Alloing | Flickr
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
