Malaysia Airlines flight turns back to Sydney after mid-air incident

KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysia Airlines flight from Sydney to Kuala Lumpur was forced to turn back after an incident mid-air involving a disruptive passenger.

MH122 left Sydney International Airport at 1.40 pm and landed back on the runway at 3.47 pm.

Sydney-based 9news reported that a disturbance occurred due to a passenger onboard who allegedly made threatening remarks.

DEVELOPING: An emergency situation is unfolding at Sydney Airport after passengers onboard a Malaysian Airlines flight claimed a man was threatening to blow the plane up. @biancabalzer #9News MORE: https://t.co/pyqrVhFu1l pic.twitter.com/z8K9H6nZGT
— 9News Sydney (@9NewsSyd) August 14, 2023

Malaysia Airlines, in a statement today, said local authorities are currently assessing the situation.

"In the interest of safety, the commander of the flight made a decision to return to Sydney. The flight carrying 194 passengers and five crew onboard landed safely at 3:47 pm local time. The safety and comfort of our crew and passengers are of utmost importance to Malaysia Airlines," it said.

DEVELOPING: Malaysian Airlines has just released a statement after flight MH122 was forced to make an emergency landing after a passenger made threats on board. #9News MORE: https://t.co/pyqrVhFu1l pic.twitter.com/yIdaOTlfY7
— 9News Sydney (@9NewsSyd) August 14, 2023

The Australian Federal Police said they are responding to an emergency incident at Sydney International Airport.

Meanwhile, @chzaib posted on X, that currently everyone onboard 'has been off the plane safely, and in a lounge''. Police interview is ongoing before more details given, the post added.

#MH122 every one has been off the plane safely, and in a lounge. Police will interview everyone before further instructions.#SydneyAirport #Sydney pic.twitter.com/IS7RVgPLFR
— Muhammad Zubair (@chzaib) August 14, 2023