Jetstar flight
from Singapore turns back due to passengers' argument over
phone
SINGAPORE: A Jetstar plane bound to Australia was delayed in
Singapore and police were called in after three passengers were
involved in a heated argument over a phone.
Jetstar flight 3K161 was scheduled to depart Changi Airport at
11.20pm on Friday (Dec 22) and arrive at Darwin at 5.20am the next
day.
In an email to Channel NewsAsia, Jetstar Group spokesperson Robin
Goh said that the aircraft was taxiing towards the runway for
take-off when the captain decided to return to the gate.
Three passengers were involved in the dispute, which verbal threats
were made, he said, adding that local authorities took custody of
the passengers involved at the gate.
Channel NewsAsia understands that the dispute happened between a
47-year-old Australian man and a 55-year-old
Filipino-Australian.
The argument started when the Filipino-Australian told the
Australian that he should have his phone switched off.
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As the dispute became more heated, the cabin crew decided to call
in police for help.
Police said they were alerted to a case of public nuisance on board
a flight at 11.26pm.
A female passenger claimed she heard the word "bomb" used during
the argument. However, she is believed to have misheard the word as
no other passengers heard the word being used.
Both men, along with the 55-year-old man's wife, who was also
involved in the dispute, eventually alighted the plane and are
currently still in Singapore.
Police said that two men, aged 47 and 55, are assisting with
investigations.
Mr Goh said the flight eventually resumed at 7.15am on Saturday,
more than eight hours after the plane was scheduled to originally
depart from Singapore.
Meal vouchers were distributed to all customers due to the delay,
said Mr Goh. Additionally, families with young children were
granted lounge access for greater comfort.
"We take safety and security seriously and we don’t tolerate
threats or disruptive behaviour by passengers on our flights," he
added.
Source: CNA/ad