KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia Airlines flight MH122 has made a turnaround to Sydney International Airport after taking off at 1.40pm local time (11.40am Malaysian time) due to a mid-air “emergency incident”.
According to a statement by the airline, it was due to a disruptive passenger onboard, and local authorities are currently assessing the situation.
The plane later landed in Sydney at 3.47pm local time and was left on the end of the runway surrounded by emergency vehicles, reported Australian news site 9News.
An Australian Federal Police spokesman was quoted as saying that officers were deployed to respond to an emergency incident at the Sydney airport.
“An update will be provided at an appropriate time.”
It was also reported that a supposed passenger tweeted that someone onboard was threatening other passengers and staff members.
Multiple videos on social media show a man yelling and displaying threatening behaviour towards other passengers on the flight.
It was reported by 10 News First Sydney that a man unzipped his backpack, put his hands in it, and made threats about having something dangerous inside. This forced MH122 to turn back to Sydney.
Meanwhile, in a statement today, the airline said local authorities are currently assessing the situation.
“In the interest of safety, the commander of the flight made a decision to return to Sydney. The flight carrying 194 passengers and five crew members landed safely at 3.47pm local time.
“The safety and comfort of our crew and passengers are of utmost importance to Malaysia Airlines,” it said. – August 14, 2023