Jetstar flight to Bali forced to turn around mid-flight after passenger ‘went crazy and banged on cockpit door’

A Jetstar flight to Bali was forced to turn around and land in Melbourne after a “passenger from hell” launched a tirade and even banged on the cockpit door.

The plane took off at 10 a.m. on Monday as planned, but as the woman’s behavior became increasingly erratic, the flight crew made the decision to abandon the planned route and returned to Melbourne at 3 p.m. .

Footage shows a woman standing in the aisle of flight JQ43 shouting at passengers and staff.

“Jetstar flight from Melbourne to Bali returned to Melbourne today because a woman went crazy and banged on the cockpit door because she thought someone stole her phone,” wrote one passenger on Facebook.

Reportedly, the unruly passenger, who was wandering the aisle for most of the flight, began screaming and eventually had to be restrained.

A passenger who was on board described the incident as “concerning”.

“I think some of the kids on board were a little scared,” she said. 3AW reader.

“It was the most eventful flight I have ever taken.”

Another passenger described the chaos that unfolded as “disgusting”.

“There were people moving to the front of the plane with their bags trying to get away from the incident in question,” she said.

“An older man actually made a comment to her as she was walking by…she stood up in front of him and brutally raped him and smashed his glasses in his face.

“You could see her spitting on other passengers.

“I actually spoke to an off-duty police officer who was on the plane and she said that this particular person was seen kicking trash cans and quite erratically before even board the plane.”

Jetstar rescheduled the flight and apologized for any inconvenience.

“The captain decided to return to Melbourne to seek assistance from the Australian Federal Police after a passenger became disruptive just under two hours into the flight,” the airline said in a statement. to the Daily Mail Australia.

“We know this has been a difficult experience for other customers and our team members, and we thank those who helped us resolve the situation.

“Due to the circumstances, several crew members were unable to continue flying and the flight was postponed until 10 a.m. tomorrow.

“We will provide overnight accommodation to all guests who require it and cover other reasonable expenses, including meals.”

“The safety of our customers and crew is our priority. »