15-8-2023 (SYDNEY) A disturbing incident aboard Malaysia Airlines flight MH122 on Monday afternoon led to the arrest and subsequent charges of an Australian man. The accused individual, whose actions resulted in chaos and fear among passengers, allegedly made a false bomb threat during the flight bound for Kuala Lumpur. The repercussions of this episode caused the aircraft to return to Sydney and forced disruptions in the country’s airspace.
The flight, carrying 199 passengers and 12 crew members, took off from Sydney Airport slightly after 1 pm. However, shortly into the journey, the situation escalated when the 45-year-old passenger began asserting that he possessed “explosives” within his backpack, according to the police.
In response to the unfolding crisis, Malaysia Airlines flight MH122 made a swift U-turn, returning to Sydney Airport and landing safely on the runway at around 3:45 pm. The passenger, alleged to have caused the disruption, was subsequently arrested without any resistance upon the plane’s return.
Video footage captured by a fellow passenger depicted the man, sporting a backpack, apparently issuing threats to both his fellow travellers and the airline staff. Although police refrained from disclosing the man’s nationality, they confirmed that he is a resident of Canberra.
Authorities were quick to clarify that the incident did not constitute an “imminent threat to the community.” Nonetheless, the ripple effects of the incident reverberated through the aviation sector, leading to the cancellation of 32 domestic flights and causing significant delays of up to 90 minutes for other flights. International flights remained unaffected by these disruptions.
In response to queries from Channel NewsAsia (CNA), a Malaysia Airlines spokesperson detailed, “In the interest of safety, the commander of the flight made a decision to return to Sydney.” The spokesperson further informed that the disembarkation of remaining passengers and crew members concluded by 7 pm.
Aside from the initial bomb threat charge, the accused individual is also facing a charge of non-compliance with cabin crew safety instructions, as revealed by the Australian Federal Police (AFP). The AFP emphasized their commitment to operational discretion, clarifying that an emergency response plan was executed, followed by a safe evacuation of passengers and crew members.
The man is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, facing serious charges that carry a maximum penalty of ten years’ imprisonment and a fine exceeding A$15,000 (approximately S$13,200).
