Man faces 30 years in jail for plane act

Cabin crew on a flight from Malaysia to Sydney had to forcibly restrain a man for allegedly endangering the safety of all those on board.

A man is facing up to 30 years behind bars for allegedly endangering the safety of a Sydney-bound aircraft and assaulting a member of the cabin crew.

Air Asia X flight attendants were forced to restrain the 46-year-old Jordanian man after he tried to open the plane door during its journey from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

He also allegedly assaulted a member of the crew.

A man has been charged with allegedly endangering the safety of an aircraft and assaulting crew on-board an Air Asia flight. Picture: istock

Australian Federal Police (AFP) arrested the man when the plane landed at Sydney International Airport on Saturday, April 5.

“It will be alleged a man, 46, attempted to open the rear emergency exit door of the aircraft during the flight,” the AFP said in a statement.

“The man was subsequently escorted to a seat in the middle of the aircraft by airline staff, however it is further alleged he then attempted to open the middle emergency exit door.

The plane left Malaysia and was heading to Sydney International Airport, where a 46-year-old man was arrested on April 5. Picture: istock

“The man was then restrained by crew and passengers, during which he allegedly assaulted an airline staff member.”

The man has been charged with two counts of endangering the safety of an aircraft and one count of assault crew. He is due to appear at the Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday, April 9.

The offences each carry a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment

AFP detective acting superintendent Davina Copelin said dangerous behaviour on aircraft will not be tolerated by police.

“The actions of this man could have had tragic consequences, and passengers and airplane staff shouldn’t have to put up with unruly, violent, or dangerous behaviour on flights,” Supt Copelin said.

“The AFP will not hesitate to take action against people who engage in criminal behaviour on airplanes, especially where this behaviour has the potential to endanger the safety of passengers, crew or the flight itself.”

AirAsia X confirmed a disruptive guest was on board flight D7220 from Kuala Lumpur to Sydney.

“Our cabin crew, who are professionally trained to respond to such situations, took all necessary steps to ensure the safety of everyone on board. At no time was the safety of guests or crew compromised,” an Air Asia X spokesperson told news.com.au.

“AirAsia has a zero tolerance policy for inappropriate behaviour of any kind and as per procedure alerted the AFP and relevant authorities to meet the aircraft on arrival in Sydney.”

It comes after another passenger tried to open a Jetstar plane door mid-flight.

The incident took place on flight JQ34 on March 31 where a woman tugged at the door handle in an attempt to open it about two hours into the journey from Bali to Melbourne,

Crew immediately intervened with the help of an off-duty policeman, after they were alerted by an alarm.

The plane carrying more than 200 passengers was forced to return to Denpasar Ngurah Rai International Airport where the woman was removed from the aircraft by local authorities.

She has since reportedly returned to Australia.

News.com.au understands the incident remains under investigation.

AFP has been contacted for comment on the matter.