A 46-year-old man was arrested for allegedly trying to open emergency exit doors on a flight. According to the Australian Federal Police, this passenger has been charged with two counts of endangering the safety of an aircraft and one count of assaulting crew members.
The incident under investigation reportedly happened on April 5, during a flight from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Sydney. Police stated that the suspect, identified as Shadi Taisser Ayed Alsaaydeh from Jordan, attempted to open the rear emergency exit door.
After being escorted back to his seat, he reportedly tried to open another exit door. Crew members and some passengers intervened, restraining him while he allegedly assaulted an airline staff member.
Alsaaydeh faces serious charges, each carrying a maximum penalty of up to ten years in prison. Detective Acting Superintendent Davina Copelin condemned the man’s actions, stating they could have led to tragic consequences and highlighted that passengers and crew should not endure violent or dangerous behavior on flights.
The incident took place on an AirAsia flight. The airline confirmed that their trained cabin crew took necessary actions to ensure safety during the situation. They also reported the events to the Australian Federal Police and relevant authorities when the flight landed in Sydney.
The suspect was arrested upon landing at Sydney International Airport. During his bail hearing, his lawyer claimed Alsaaydeh had consumed medications and alcohol before the flight, leading to him not remembering the event. He is also accused of choking a flight attendant who tried to stop him, with several passengers stepping in to help.
Alsaaydeh, a Jordanian government worker who was traveling to meet officials in Sydney, is set to appear in court on April 9. His lawyer noted that he has no previous criminal record.
