5-12-2023 (MANILA) In a recent incident aboard Scoot flight TR396 from Singapore to Manila, a disruptive passenger, believed to be Australian, was restrained and handed over to Filipino authorities after allegedly assaulting a fellow passenger and challenging others to fights. The incident occurred during the flight’s layover in Singapore.
Video clips capturing the disruptive behaviour went viral, showing the man bleeding from the head following an altercation. The West Australian newspaper reported that the passenger, who originated from Perth, displayed disruptive conduct during the second leg of his journey, demanding drinks from cabin crew and verbally abusing fellow passengers.
Despite flight crew announcements instructing passengers to remain seated, the man continued his unruly behaviour. In one video, he directed vulgarities at other passengers and engaged in a confrontation with a passenger filming him. After challenging the passenger to a fight, the disruptive individual slapped him in the face, prompting intervention from other passengers.
Witnesses reported that a few individuals kicked the disruptive passenger while he was on the ground. Subsequently, passengers and Scoot flight attendants restrained the man using zip ties on his arms and legs, awaiting authorities to escort him off the plane upon arrival in Manila.
Although the extent of the man’s injuries remains unclear, a video from the New York Post showed him with a swollen nose. During the escort, he reportedly continued challenging passengers to one-on-one fights.
Scoot confirmed the incident, emphasizing its commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of customers and staff. The disruptive passenger was denied entry into the Philippines and returned to Perth on December 2, 2023. The airline stated that appropriate measures would be taken against any passenger posing a safety risk.
