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An airline passenger has been arrested after a flight from Sydney to Malaysia was turned around over NSW due to a “disruptive passenger onboard”.
More than 30 domestic flights were cancelled to and from Sydney Airport and extensive delays remained after the incident on Malaysia Airlines flight MH122 to Kuala Lumpur on Monday afternoon.
The aircraft left Sydney Airport at 1.40pm and landed safely back on the runway at 3.47pm, where it sat for hours with emergency vehicles nearby.
Video from on board the plane appears to show a man, who was wearing a backpack, threatening passengers and staff.
The Australian Federal Police said a 45-year-old man was arrested and expected to be charged later on Monday.
“The AFP will not divulge operational matters, however, an emergency response plan was enacted and an evacuation was initiated once it was deemed safe for passengers and crew,” the AFP said in a statement.
Malaysia Airlines said earlier the flight was turned around due to a “disruptive passenger onboard”.
“In the interest of safety, the commander of the flight made a decision to return to Sydney,” a Malaysia Airlines spokesperson said.
“The flight carrying 194 passengers and five crew onboard landed safely at 3.47pm hours local time.
“The safety and comfort of our crew and passengers are of utmost importance to Malaysia Airlines.”
Sydney Airport said 32 domestic flights had been cancelled, 16 inbound and 16 outbound, and other domestic flights had delays of up to 90 minutes.
No international flights were affected and passengers are being told to check for updates with their airlines.
A Sydney Airport spokesperson said earlier it was supporting emergency agencies in the management of an incident at the airport.
“The airport is operational with flights arriving and departing,” the spokesperson said.
“Passengers are encouraged to check directly with their airline regarding the status of their flight.”
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) was called to meet the plane on arrival and confirmed earlier it was “responding to an emergency incident at Sydney International Airport.”
