A MALAYSIA Airlines flight en route to Kuala Lumpur from Sydney has been forced back after a passenger became unruly and caused panic on board.

The allegedly disruptive passenger has been arrested by the Australian Federal Police (AFP). 

In a statement, AFP said the 45-year-old man was apprehended without incident and is expected to be charged later tonight. 

“Passengers have now been evacuated from the aircraft. There is no impending threat to the community,” the statement read.

According to Sydney-based 9news, Malaysia Airlines flight MH122 left Sydney at 1.40pm and landed back on the runway at 3.47pm. It said a passenger was creating a ruckus in the name of religion on the flight. 

A passenger on board the flight said the person threatened the crew and passengers.  

A post from X account user Muhammad Zubair using the handle of @chzaid said the person had been handcuffed by the police.

Earlier, another X account user @sammmarks posted a message claiming that the person had tried to take on a passenger who stood up to him.

Another X user @jawadmnazir posted several videos of the person showing aggressive behaviour. 

“My name is Mohammed, slave of Allah,” the man told a crew member.

“Are you a slave of Allah? Are you? Say it! Say it! Are you a slave of Allah?” he asked others. 

Malaysia Airlines issued a statement saying the flight carrying 194 passengers and five crew on board had to be forced back to ensure their safety. 

“In the interests of safety, the commander of the flight made the decision to return to Sydney. 

“The flight, carrying 194 passengers and five crew on board, landed safely at 3.47pm. 

“The safety and comfort of our crew and passengers are of utmost importance to Malaysia Airlines,” it said. 

Meanwhile, according to The Sydney Morning Herald, a spokesman for the Sydney Airport – now operating a single runway – said 32 domestic flights had been cancelled, and other flights were delayed for up to 90 minutes. 

“No international flights have so far been impacted,” the spokesman said.  

Malaysia Airlines is expected to issue an update on the situation. – August 14, 2023.