A Malaysia Airlines flight en route to Kuala Lumpur was diverted back to Sydney on Monday after a passenger allegedly caused a disruption, forcing the aircraft to return mid-air.
Flight MH122, an Airbus-a330, departed Sydney Airport at 1:40pm but landed back at 3:47pm, as shown by Flight Aware.
A video circulating on social media displays the male passenger in question interacting with a flight crew member. The individual, who had a backpack strapped to his front, is heard referencing Islam.
#Sydney Airport is suffering at the hands of this lunatic as he has taken #MH122 hostage. Praying for everyone's safety and well being.
Where is Airport security?! Its been well over an hour since the plane has landed back!!! pic.twitter.com/rSWExD9EXm
— Jawad Nazir ✈ (@jawadmnazir) August 14, 2023
The flight, which was turned back over regional NSW, remains on the tarmac with Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers and emergency services present at the scene.
We are currently supporting emergency agencies in the management of an incident at the airport.
The airport is operational with flights arriving and departing.
Passengers are encouraged to check directly with their airline regarding the status of their flight.
— Sydney Airport (@SydneyAirport) August 14, 2023
Sydney Airport, in a statement issued on Monday evening, said they are "currently supporting emergency agencies in the management of an incident at the airport." They affirmed that the airport remains operational, with other flights proceeding as scheduled.
The airport's advisory also added, “Passengers are encouraged to check directly with their airline regarding the status of their flight.”
"The AFP is responding to an emergency incident at Sydney International Airport. An update will be provided at an appropriate time," said AFP in a tweet.
The AFP is responding to an emergency incident at Sydney International Airport.
An update will be provided at an appropriate time.
— AFP (@AusFedPolice) August 14, 2023
