Man attempts to open emergency exit twice on flight to Sydney, arrested

A Jordanian national allegedly attempted to open the doors of a Sydney-bound flight mid-air, prompting police intervention upon arrival, according to The Sydney Morning Herald. The incident took place on flight D7220, which was en route from Kuala Lumpur on Saturday evening.

The man, identified as Shadi Taiseer Alsaaydeh, attempted to open the rear emergency exit door during the flight. After being restrained by crew members and passengers, Alsaaydeh allegedly assaulted an airline staff member. He was then moved to a seat in the middle of the plane, but he reportedly tried to open another emergency exit door.

Alsaaydeh, 45, has been charged with two counts of endangering aircraft safety and one count of assaulting cabin crew. He will appear at Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday. Australian Federal Police (AFP) are investigating the incident, with each charge carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Davina Copelin emphasized that dangerous behavior on flights will not be tolerated. "This man's actions could have had tragic consequences, and passengers and crew should not have to endure unruly, violent, or dangerous behavior," Copelin told The Sydney Morning Herald. "The AFP will take action against anyone whose behavior jeopardizes the safety of passengers, crew, or the flight."

AirAsia X issued a statement confirming that its cabin crew took all necessary steps to ensure the safety of everyone on board, stating, “At no time was the safety of guests or crew compromised.” The airline also reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for inappropriate behaviour, according to the report.

Alsaaydeh’s lawyer argued that the defendant, who works for the Jordanian government in nuclear waste management, has no criminal history. The lawyer added that Alsaaydeh had no memory of the event, attributing it to a combination of medication and alcohol consumed before boarding. Alsaaydeh is expected to appear in court on Wednesday, April 9.