An unruly passenger aboard an AirAsia flight reportedly attempted to open the emergency exit at the back of the plane. The plane crew allegedly escorted him to the middle of the aircraft, where he tried the same thing again with another exit door.
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The bizarre incident occurred on April 5 in the evening, according to a Press Release by the Australian Federal Police (AFP). The airline requested assistance from the AFP at Sydney Airport concerning a flight from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A male Jordanian national, 46, allegedly 'attempted to open the rear emergency exit door of the aircraft during the flight.'
Staff escorted him to a seat in the middle of the plane. He then allegedly attempted to open the aircraft's middle emergency exit door instead. The plane crew and passengers tried to restrain the man, and he reportedly assaulted a member of staff during the scuffle.
Police Are Charging The Passenger With Multiple Offenses
The press release details the charges rallied against the passenger. He faces two counts of endangering the safety of an aircraft and one count of assaulting the crew of Division 3 aircraft. Both crimes carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
AirAsia provided a statement to People, which said, "Our cabin crew, who are professionally trained to respond to such situations, took all necessary steps to ensure the safety of everyone on board. At no time was the safety of guests or crew compromised." The outlet also explains that the Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC) identified the suspect as Shadi Taisser Ayed Alsaaydeh. He allegedly took a sleeping pill and alcohol before the flight and has no recollection of the incident.
Shockingly, another passenger on a Plus Ultra plane tried a similar stunt just last month. The flier allegedly bothered someone as they slept, prompting the crew to escort him to another seat. He then got up and tried to open the emergency hatch. The plane crew quickly restrained the passenger, but a member of staff suffered a partial fibula fracture in the process.
If it provides any comfort, an article by Simple Flying explains that it's impossible for a passenger to open an aircraft door with force mid-flight. The doors are mechanically locked, and even if they weren't, cabin pressure is so intense that one person couldn't force them open.
