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Shop NowThe frightening incident onboard Malaysia Airlines flight MH122 from Sydney to Kuala Lumpur has left passengers scared and shaken.
The 45-year-old man, who identified himself as ‘Mohammed’, forced the plane to land back in Sydney after shouting at other passengers: “Are you slaves of Allah?”
The man was reportedly kneeling in prayer after laying out his prayer mat in the aisle of the plane, while making barely veiled threats about having something dangerous in his backpack.
Emergency response plan was enacted and an evacuation was initiated once it was deemed safe for passengers and crew, according to Australian Federal Police (AFP).
Passengers on the Airbus-A330 flight witnessed Mohammed unzipping his bag, putting his hands inside, and screaming at the top of his lungs near one passenger’s seat.
Members of the flight crew examined his bag and found nothing dangerous.
Video taken on board showed him being confronted by a steward before all passengers were safely evacuated from the plane about 7pm.
Air traffic at Sydney Airport came to a standstill causing 32 domestic flights cancelled (16 inbound + 16 outbound), with delays of up to 90 minutes for other domestic flights.
Passengers were then bussed to another part of the jet while authorities took Mohammed away.
In a statement issued by Malaysia Airlines said: “In the interests of safety, the commander of the flight made the decision to return to Sydney.”
The safety and comfort of their crew and passengers are always their priority.
Currently no international flight cancellations have been reported although many people experienced long delays due this security situation.
Passengers urged others travelling through airports today check with their airline regarding status of their flight before leaving home or work as precautionary measure against similar incidents occurring again soon.
