Mid-air turnaround of JQ43 flight to Bali after passenger causes chaos

A Melbourne-Bali Jetstar flight turned around after an unruly passenger was screaming and swearing and banging on the cockpit door. Watch the footage.

A Jetstar flight en route to Bali had to make a dramatic turnaround after one passenger caused chaos on board by swearing and walking around the cabin.

Passengers on-board had been expecting to land in tropical paradise but instead ended up back in Melbourne on Monday.

The JQ43 flight left Tullamarine at 10.25am and returned back to Melbourne Airport just before 3pm.

One passenger Melanie was on-board and told 3AW it was shocking.

The unruly passenger’s actions were described as ‘shocking’.

She said that the pilot made the announcement in the middle of the flight that due to the “unruly passenger” the plane would be returning to Melbourne.

The passenger can be heard in footage swearing and yelling at fellow passengers.

“She was roaming around the cabin for most of the flight and then was restrained,” Melanie said.

The incident unfolded on the JQ43 flight to Bali on Monday.

“I think security should be on-board every flight – something worse could have happened.”

One passenger wrote on Facebook: “Didn’t stop the screaming and yelling for the entire two hours back to Melbourne”.

Another added: “Jetstar flight from Melbourne to Bali turned back to Melbourne today because a woman went loopy and banged on the cockpit door because she thought someone stole her phone”.

A Jetstar spokesman has said the flight returned to Melbourne to get assistance from the police after a passenger became disruptive just under two hours into the flight.

“We know this was a difficult experience for other customers and our team members, and we thank those who assisted with the situation,” he said.

The flight has been rescheduled for 10am Tuesday with Jetstar providing overnight accommodation.

It will also cover the cost of meals to customers on Monday night.

“The safety of our customers and crew is our priority.”

Originally published as Mid-air turnaround of JQ43 flight to Bali after passenger causes chaos