A 46-year-old Jordanian man faces serious charges after allegedly trying to open an emergency exit door during an Air Asia flight from Kuala Lumpur to Sydney. The incident occurred while the plane was in the air, prompting intervention from flight staff.
Australian Federal Police (AFP) were summoned to Sydney Airport on the evening of the flight’s arrival. Initial reports indicate that after being escorted to a seat in the middle section of the aircraft, the man attempted to open the middle emergency door. In response, both crew and passengers restrained him, during which he reportedly assaulted a member of the cabin crew.
The man has been charged with endangering the safety of an aircraft and assaulting a crew member, with each charge carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment. He is set to appear in Parramatta Local Court today to answer these charges.
Detective Acting Superintendent Davina Copelin of the AFP remarked on the gravity of the situation, stating that such dangerous behaviour is intolerable on flights. She emphasised the potential tragic consequences of such actions, insisting that passengers and airline staff should not have to endure unruly behaviour. The AFP is committed to taking necessary actions against individuals whose conduct endangers the safety of flights and all those on board.
AirAsia has acknowledged the incident and is cooperating with the authorities.