The Australian Federal Police (AFP ) have responded to an “emergency incident” at Sydney International Airport and arrested a 45-year-old man.
A video has emerged from onboard the plane that clearly shows a man wearing a backpack threatening passengers and staff.
In the video, the man can be seen yelling at cabin crew and passengers in an aisle of the plane:
“My name is Mohammed, slave of Allah. Are you a slave of Allah? Are you? Say it! Say it! Are you a slave of Allah?”
Malaysia Airlines flight MH122, 194 passengers and five crew onboard, was travelling from Sydney to Kuala Lumpur. It departed Sydney Airport at 1.06 pm but was soon forced to turn back due to the disruptive behavior of this passenger at 3.47 pm.
It is reported that the flight was left sitting on the runway for nearly three hours with emergency vehicles nearby.
A Sydney Airport spokesperson told SkyNews.com.au that they are assisting the AFP to manage the incident.
“We are currently supporting emergency agencies in the management of an incident at the airport. The airport is operational with flights arriving and departing. Passengers are encouraged to check directly with their airline regarding the status of their flight.”
About 5.15 pm, the Australian federal police posted to Twitter that its officers were “responding to an emergency incident at Sydney International Airport”.
A spokesperson for the AFP said that they “there is no impending threat to the community” and “the man is expected to be charged later tonight.” AFP will provide an update at an appropriate time.
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