A Jordanian man is facing serious legal trouble after a mid-air disturbance on an AirAsia flight from Kuala Lumpur to Sydney led to criminal charges. The 46-year-old passenger allegedly attempted to open two emergency exit doors during the journey, prompting immediate intervention from the airline crew and fellow passengers.
According to the Australian Federal Police (AFP), the passenger, later identified as Shadi Taisser Ayed Alsaaydeh first tried to open the rear emergency exit door while the plane was en route to Australia. He was then moved by the flight crew to a seat in the middle of the aircraft to prevent further issues.
However, shortly after being moved, Alsaaydeh allegedly made a second attempt to open another emergency exit. This time, the situation escalated when he reportedly assaulted a crew member trying to stop him.
Quick-thinking passengers and airline staff managed to restrain the suspect, ensuring that the rest of the flight could continue safely to its destination. Upon arrival at Sydney International Airport, Alsaaydeh was immediately taken into custody by AFP officers.
He has since been charged with two counts of endangering the safety of an aircraft and one count of assault against a crew member. Each charge carries a maximum prison sentence of up to 10 years, underscoring the severity of the incident.
Detective Acting Superintendent Davina Copelin of the AFP condemned the actions, stating, “The actions of this man could have had tragic consequences, and passengers and airplane staff shouldn’t have to put up with unruly, violent, or dangerous behavior on flights.”
Copelin added that authorities will aggressively pursue individuals who jeopardize passenger safety, particularly in flight situations where risks are amplified.
AirAsia confirmed the incident in a statement and commended their crew for handling the situation with professionalism and care. “Our cabin crew, who are professionally trained to respond to such situations, took all necessary steps to ensure the safety of everyone on board,” the airline stated.
They reassured the public that at no time was the safety of guests or crew compromised and reinforced their zero-tolerance policy for inappropriate behavior. The airline also confirmed that proper authorities, including the AFP, were alerted and ready upon the aircraft’s landing.
Reports from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation revealed that Alsaaydeh’s legal team claims he does not recall the incident, allegedly due to mixing alcohol, pseudoephedrine, and a sleeping pill before the flight. His lawyer told the court that Alsaaydeh has no prior criminal history and was traveling to Sydney in an official capacity as a Jordanian government employee.
Despite these claims, the court denied bail, and Alsaaydeh is scheduled to appear again in court on April 9 as Authorities continue to investigate the full circumstances of the mid-air disruption.
