KUALA LUMPUR – A Kuala Lumpur to Sydney AirAsia X flight turned into a harrowing ordeal after a Jordanian passenger allegedly attempted to open two emergency exit doors mid-air and assaulted a flight attendant, said the Australian Federal Police today.
The suspect, 46-year-old Shadi Taisser Ayed Alsaaydeh, was restrained by passengers and crew before being arrested by Australian police upon arrival at Sydney Airport last night.
AirAsia X confirmed that the “disruptive” guest was on board flight D7220 from Kuala Lumpur, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
The airline, in a statement, confirmed the incident, saying that its cabin crew “took the necessary steps to protect everyone on board” and emphasised that “at no time was the safety of guests or crew compromised.” The airline reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for inappropriate behaviour on flights.
The incident unfolded shortly after take-off from Kuala Lumpur when Alsaaydeh, seated at the rear of the aircraft, allegedly attempted to open the emergency exit door. He was then relocated to a middle-row seat, but reportedly tried to open another emergency exit.
It was during this second attempt that he allegedly choked a flight attendant who tried to intervene, reported the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
Passengers quickly jumped in to subdue Alsaaydeh and helped restrain him until the flight landed.
“This man’s actions could have had tragic consequences,” said AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Davina Copelin in a statement, as reported by Anadolu Ajansi.
“Passengers and airplane staff shouldn’t have to put up with unruly, violent, or dangerous behaviour on flights.”
Alsaaydeh was charged with two counts of endangering the safety of an aircraft and one count of assaulting cabin crew. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment.
He was refused bail on today and is expected to appear at Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday.
In court, his lawyer claimed Alsaaydeh had consumed a combination of pseudoephedrine, sleeping pills, and alcohol before boarding the flight and had no memory of the incident. The lawyer also revealed that Alsaaydeh, who has no prior criminal record, works in nuclear waste management for the Jordanian government and was in Sydney for official meetings.
He was denied bail, citing the seriousness of the alleged offences and the potential threat to public safety.
This incident comes amid heightened concern over in-flight safety, following a recent case where a woman on a Jetstar flight from Bali to Melbourne attempted to open a cabin door mid-flight, prompting the plane to return to Denpasar. – April 6, 2025