A Jordanian national has been charged after he allegedly attempted to open the doors of a Sydney-bound plane mid-flight.
Australian federal police (AFP) said the man, 46, allegedly tried to open the rear emergency exit door of the plane, travelling from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Saturday night.
The man, Shadi Taiseer Alsaaydeh, was expected to face Parramatta local court on Sunday.
They said the airline staff escorted him to a seat in the middle of the plane, when he then allegedly attempted to open another emergency exit door.
Crew and passengers had to restrain the man, during which he allegedly assaulted an airline staff member.
AirAsia X later confirmed the alleged “disruptive” guest was on board flight D7220 from Kuala Lumpur.
“Our cabin crew, who are professionally trained to respond to such situations, took all necessary steps to ensure the safety of everyone on board,” the airline said in a statement.
“At no time was the safety of guests or crew compromised.
“AirAsia has a zero tolerance policy for [alleged] inappropriate behaviour of any kind and as per procedure alerted the AFP and relevant authorities to meet the aircraft on arrival in Sydney.
“The matter is now with the relevant authorities and as such, we are unable to comment further.”
AFP officers met the flight on its arrival in Sydney, where he was charged with two counts of endangering the safety of an aircraft and one count of assaulting cabin crew. Each of the offences carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
The AFP’s Det Acting Supt Davina Copelin said dangerous behaviour on planes would not be tolerated.
“The actions of this man could have had tragic consequences, and passengers and airplane staff shouldn’t have to put up with unruly, violent or dangerous behaviour on flights,” she said.
“The AFP will not hesitate to take action against people who engage in criminal behaviour on airplanes, especially where this behaviour has the potential to endanger the safety of passengers, crew or the flight itself.”
- with AAP
