MAS flight from Sydney turned back after mid-air incident

 

Australian news portal 9news reported that a Malaysia Airlines flight from Sydney to KLIA has to turn around over New South Wales after a mid-air "emergency incident".

According to the report, flight MH122 left Sydney Airport at 1.40pm local time but landed back on the runway at 3.47pm this afternoon.

“The plane is currently sitting on the end of the runway with emergency vehicles nearby,” reported the portal.

It is understood that a disturbance occurred due to a disruptive passenger onboard who was allegedly threatening another man.

A video of the incident showed the man making religious remarks.

The flight captain decided to return to Sydney for safety reasons.

Malaysia Airlines said the flight carrying 194 passengers and five crew onboard landed safely at 3.47pm local time.

"Local authorities are currently assessing the situation. The safety and comfort of our crew and passengers are of utmost importance to Malaysia Airlines."

In the latest development, 9news reported that a man has been detained following the incident.

“A man who allegedly made threats to other passengers onboard a Malaysian Airlines flight has been escorted off the aircraft in handcuffs after nearly three hours on the tarmac.

“More than 30 domestic flights have been cancelled,” it said in a tweet.

Malaysia Airlines said passengers will be transferred to the next available flight once clearance is given by the authorities. - Mkini