A dramatic scene unfolded at Melbourne Airport on Thursday when a passenger exited a stationary Jetstar flight through an emergency door, walked along the wing, and descended via an engine onto the tarmac.
The incident occurred with Jetstar Flight JQ507, which had just arrived from Sydney and was parked at a terminal gate. After the man opened the emergency exit door, which deployed an inflatable slide, he chose to bypass it. Instead, he walked along the wing of the Airbus A320 and climbed down one of its engines.
Eyewitness Audrey Varghese reported that the man exhibited unusual behavior before the incident. "As the plane began to stop, he quickly moved to the emergency exit row and opened the door," Varghese said on Melbourne Radio 3AW.
Jetstar staff alerted Australian Federal Police (AFP), who arrived on the scene and arrested the man for aggressive conduct and violating aircraft safety protocols. He was assessed by paramedics and taken to a hospital for further evaluation.
Melbourne Airport officials commended the response of aircrew and ground staff, noting that their quick actions ensured the safety of other passengers and staff. The AFP is continuing its investigation, and charges are anticipated in the near future.
The incident occurred with Jetstar Flight JQ507, which had just arrived from Sydney and was parked at a terminal gate. After the man opened the emergency exit door, which deployed an inflatable slide, he chose to bypass it. Instead, he walked along the wing of the Airbus A320 and climbed down one of its engines.
Eyewitness Audrey Varghese reported that the man exhibited unusual behavior before the incident. "As the plane began to stop, he quickly moved to the emergency exit row and opened the door," Varghese said on Melbourne Radio 3AW.
Jetstar staff alerted Australian Federal Police (AFP), who arrived on the scene and arrested the man for aggressive conduct and violating aircraft safety protocols. He was assessed by paramedics and taken to a hospital for further evaluation.
Melbourne Airport officials commended the response of aircrew and ground staff, noting that their quick actions ensured the safety of other passengers and staff. The AFP is continuing its investigation, and charges are anticipated in the near future.
