Passenger detained after opening plane door and climbing onto wing
On Thursday, Australian federal law enforcement took a passenger into custody who allegedly opened the emergency exit of a commercial airplane, strolled along the wing, and descended onto the tarmac.
This incident involved a Jetstar flight (JQ507), which had just arrived from Sydney to Melbourne Airport, according to officials.
Melbourne Airport is located in Victoria, Australia, and serves as the capital of the state.
Jetstar is a low-cost airline based in Melbourne and operates as a subsidiary of Qantas, Australia’s national airline.
Cam Beaman, a representative from the airport, informed YSL News that the plane was stationary when the incident occurred.
Emergency exit opened, causing slide to deploy
According to Alana Grech, a Jetstar spokesperson, the aircraft had landed and was at the parking spot when the passenger opened the emergency exit door, which automatically deployed the inflatable slide.
“The passenger exited through the emergency exit, walked along the wing, and then climbed down to the ground via the engine,” Grech stated.
Detention of passenger who walked on wing
Airport personnel quickly detained the passenger, who was then arrested by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), according to Beaman.
“Melbourne Airport commends the swift actions of the ground crew, which ensured that there was no immediate threat to other passengers or airport staff,” Beaman remarked.
Authorities have not disclosed the passenger’s identity or their place of origin.
Grech expressed gratitude toward passengers for their patience and understanding while the team worked alongside the AFP to handle the situation.
Reported by: Eve Chen