A Korean Air executive reportedly ordered a flight to be turned around to the gate and a flight attendant off the plane because she was served nuts in a bag instead of on a plate, according to CNN.

The executive responsible for the incident is Heather Cho, also known as Cho Hyun-ah, the daughter of Korean Air's chairman, and she has reportedly since resigned from some of her duties after the disturbance involving the nuts.

The rather unusual incident reportedly occurred on Friday at New York's JFK airport on a flight due to take off for South Korea's Incheon International Airport outside of Seoul. The 40-year-old woman, who is the oldest child of Korean's Air tycoon Cho Yang-ho, reportedly argued with crew in the first-class cabin and the flight departed 20 minutes late, according to The Associated Press.

Although the incident occurred over a small bag of macadamia nuts, the consequences for what has been seen in South Korea as a temper tantrum from a high-power executive may be more serious. South Korea's government reportedly stated that it is investigating whether Cho violated aviation safety law with her behavior last week.

Cho could reportedly face legal action if it is decided that she interrupted the flight or endangered safety by using threats, her status or violence.

"Even though it was not an emergency situation, backing up the plane to order an employee to deplane was an excessive act," Korean Air said in a statement.

It added, "We will re-educate all our employees to make sure service within the plane meets high standards."