A man has been charged after he allegedly attempted to open the emergency exit door during a flight into Sydney Airport.
AFP were called to the airport on Saturday night after the airline requested officers to meet a flight arriving from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Police allege the man attempted to open the rear emergency exit door of the aircraft during the flight.
He was then moved to a seat in the middle of the plane.
However, it is alleged he then tried to open the emergency exit door in the middle of the plane.
“The man was then restrained by crew and passengers, during which he allegedly assaulted an airline staff member,” AFP said.
The Jordanian national was expected to face Parramatta Local Court on Sunday.
He has been charged with two counts of endangering the safety of an aircraft, and one count of assaulting an aircraft crew.
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”.
“The actions of this man could have had tragic consequences, and passengers and aeroplane staff shouldn’t have to put up with unruly, violent, or dangerous behaviour on flights” he said.
“The AFP will not hesitate to take action against people who engage in criminal behaviour on aeroplanes, especially where this behaviour has the potential to endanger the safety of passengers, crew or the flight itself.”
