The Australian Federal Police have arrested a male passenger after Virgin Australia flight VA696 returned to Perth last night.
The passenger allegedly ran naked through the cabin and knocked over a flight attendant. The flight landed back at Perth about half an hour after it’s 19:20 departure to Melbourne.
In a statement Virgin told local media:
We can confirm on Monday 27 May, VA696 Perth to Melbourne, returned to Perth. On arrival in Perth, the aircraft was met by the Australian Federal Police and the disruptive guest was offloaded. The safety of our guests and crew is our top priority and we sincerely apologise to guests impacted.
Virgin Australia spokesperson
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) said in a statement:
The AFP responded to a request for assistance from airline staff. Officers arrested a man after he allegedly ran naked through the aircraft mid-flight and knocked a crew member to the floor.
AFP spokesperson
One passenger told Guardian Australia that a male passenger in business class got up to intervene and then 2 others helped tackle the passenger to the floor restrain him. Another passenger told Melbourne radio station 3AW that the passenger was also banging on the cockpit door and 2 air marshals restrained and handcuffed the passenger.
The AFP took the passenger to hospital after his arrest. Local media report that he is still in hospital. The AFP are finalising charges and he is expected to be summonsed to appear before Perth Magistrates Court on 14 June.
The AFP have law enforcement jurisdiction at Australian airports and crimes related to aviation.