AIR travel often comes with its share of unexpected events, but not every story involves an attempted mid-air escape.
A recent incident has raised questions about passenger safety and behaviour at 30,000 feet.
Did a traveller really attempt to open emergency exits during a flight from Malaysia to Sydney?
Verdict:
TRUE
A Jordanian national has been arrested and charged with endangering the safety of a flight from Malaysia to Sydney and assaulting a member of the cabin crew.
According to the Australian Federal Police, the 46-year-old man attempted to open the rear emergency exit door during the flight.
Despite being escorted to a seat in the middle of the aircraft by airline staff, he then attempted to open the middle emergency exit door.
“The man was then restrained by crew and passengers, during which he allegedly assaulted an airline staff member,” the police statement reported.
Police indicated that the offences each carry a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment.
The man was arrested upon arrival at Sydney Airport and is set to appear in Parramatta Local Court, charged with two counts of endangering the safety of an aircraft and one count of assaulting cabin crew.
Detective Acting Superintendent Davina Copelin commented, “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 added that the Australian Federal Police will act decisively against criminal behaviour on airplanes, especially when it endangers the safety of passengers, crew, or the flight itself.
SOURCES:
Bernama