A Virgin Australia flight from Perth to Melbourne was forced to turn back on Monday night after a male passenger allegedly ran naked through the cabin and assaulted a crew member.
The incident took place on flight VA696, which had to return to Perth Airport due to a “disruptive passenger on board,” according to Virgin Australia’s official statement.
Upon landing, the Australian Federal Police were waiting to apprehend the man. The passenger reportedly stripped off his clothes mid-flight and ran down the aisle, knocking a crew member to the ground in the process. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported.
The man was arrested and taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation. While specific charges have not yet been finalized, an investigation is currently underway, and he is expected to appear in court on June 14th.
One passenger described the scene as “chaotic,” noting that “the crew handled the situation professionally, but it was still quite alarming to witness.” Another passenger praised the swift actions of the flight crew, stating, “They did an excellent job in maintaining order and ensuring our safety.”
Virgin Australia emphasized the importance of safety in their statement: “The safety of our crew and passengers is our top priority. We sincerely apologize to all those impacted by this incident.”
This incident highlights the challenges faced by airline staff in maintaining order and safety during flights. It also raises questions about the measures in place to handle such disruptions effectively.
As the investigation continues, more details are expected to emerge about the motives behind the passenger’s actions and the potential legal consequences he may face.
