Assam CM 'deeply apologetic' for not returning Emirates flyer's cable takes to X. Airline responds

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the incident happened aboard an Emirates flight on Tuesday.

The chief minister of Assam is trying to reach out to a fellow Emirates flyer from whom he borrowed a charging plug and cable and was unable to return it before the flyer got off the flight. Himanta Biswa Sarma took to X to share the incident in the hopes of being able to contact the helpful co-passenger and return his belongings.

"Today morning I traveled on an Emirates flight from Delhi to Dubai, where a kind young gentleman lent me his international plug and charging cable. Unfortunately, he disembarked in Dubai while I was asleep, and I couldn’t return them," he wrote on Tuesday, tagging the airline.

"I’ve just now arrived in Amsterdam and feel deeply apologetic for not returning his belongings. If this message reaches him, please send me a direct message so I can arrange to return your charger and cable promptly. Thank you for your kindness, and I regret any inconvenience caused."

X users, however, appeared sceptical. One section of netizens requested the chief minister to get his phone checked for a possible breach of security. "At the cost of sounding paranoid, security risk of data breach. The best way to install a malware using charging cables is a well-known issue," commented Mukhi R (@MukhiRP). "For ministers, govt officials, army personnel etc, India must make it a basic rule to never accept chargers or even a USB cable from strangers. Charging must be done via state-approved charging banks, not via plane or public ports. Himantaji must change his device as a precaution," added Aravind (@aravind).

Another section of X users said the math did not add up.

"So you’re telling… you slept through an international layover and magically woke up in Amsterdam? Bro, even the flight crew ain’t that smooth. The math is off, the logic is lost, next time, try a story that sounds remotely human," wrote Sameer Malik (@MsameerAmalik). "Travelers on an Emirates flight from Delhi to Amsterdam will disembark in Dubai to change planes. Are you sure you did not dream this whole thing up?" commented user @Matador_X6.

Even Emirates responded to an X user's comment to clarify that the minister would have had to disembark at Terminal 3 to catch a connecting flight to Amsterdam.

"All Emirates flights depart and arrive from Terminal 3 in Dubai. During your transit in Dubai you'd need to disembark at Terminal 3," the airline stated.

Hi there, thanks for reaching out. All Emirates flight depart and arrive from Terminal 3 in Dubai. During your transit in Dubai you'd need to disembark at Terminal 3. Please DM us if you need any further assistance. Thanks.
Emirates Support (@EmiratesSupport) April 9, 2025

This has led to a surge in X users calling out Sarma's bluff.