A chaotic scene unfolded at Melbourne Airport on Tuesday evening after a Jetstar passenger opened an emergency exit door and slid down the evacuation slide shortly after the aircraft had landed.
The incident, which occurred on flight JQ507 from Sydney, has sparked concern and investigations. According to reports, the man, believed to be in his thirties, ignored repeated instructions from cabin crew to remain seated as the plane taxied to the gate. He then proceeded to open the emergency exit door, walking onto the wing of the A320-200 aircraft before using the slide to exit the plane.
"Flight attendants were telling the man to sit down, he was pacing around, not listening to the crew," reported Sky News host Kieran Gilbert. "Then there were screams from passengers to say 'please sit down', he didn't, pulled the evacuation door and then slid down the slide."
Witnesses on board the aircraft described a scene of shock and confusion. Adam, a passenger on the flight, told Sky News that the man stood up after landing and disregarded numerous requests from the crew to remain seated.
"When we actually pulled up to the gate he reached over to the emergency exit, pulled it," Adam recounted. "Everyone at that point was screaming at him telling him to stop."
Ground handling staff quickly apprehended the man, who was subsequently arrested. All passengers were allowed to disembark safely after the incident.
Jetstar issued a statement confirming the incident, stating: "We can confirm that a passenger opened the emergency exit door after arrival into Melbourne, which automatically deployed the slide. The plane was parked at the gate at the time. The passenger has been arrested by the AFP."
Authorities are now investigating the incident and the man's motives for his actions. The opening of an emergency exit door is a serious breach of aviation safety regulations and can lead to significant consequences.
This incident highlights the crucial importance of passenger compliance with crew instructions, particularly during critical phases of flight, such as landing and taxiing.
