A man on board a Malaysia Airlines flight from Sydney to Kuala Lumpur on Monday afternoon disrupted the flight and forced it to turn back.
The man identified as Muhammed was reportedly asking passengers if they were “slaves of Allah.” He was also wearing a backpack on his front side.
The flight, MH122, had 194 passengers and five crew members on board. It departed Sydney Airport at 1:06 p.m. but was forced to turn back at 3:47 p.m. due to the disruptive behavior of the passenger.
The man was taken into custody by Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers after the plane landed safely back in Sydney. The AFP is investigating the incident.
Sydney Airport said that the airport was still operational with flights arriving and departing. Passengers were encouraged to check directly with their airline regarding the status of their flight.
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#Sydney Airport is suffering at the hands of this lunatic as he has taken #MH122 hostage. Praying for everyone’s safety and well being.
Where is Airport security?! Its been well over an hour since the plane has landed back!!! pic.twitter.com/rSWExD9EXm
— Jawad Nazir ✈ (@jawadmnazir) August 14, 2023
The man’s actions were disturbing and caused a great deal of fear and anxiety for the passengers on board. It is important to remember that not all Muslims are like this man, and that the vast majority of Muslims are peaceful and law-abiding citizens.