Jordanian Man Charged After Attempting to Open Plane Door Mid-Flight

A Jordanian man has been charged after allegedly trying to open emergency exit doors mid-flight and assaulting a crew member aboard an AirAsia flight from Malaysia to Sydney.

Australian Federal Police (AFP) arrested 46-year-old Shadi Taisser Ayed Alsaaydeh upon the plane’s arrival at Sydney Airport on Saturday night. He is now facing charges of endangering the safety of an aircraft and assaulting a crew member, according to Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reports.

Police said the incident began when Mr Alsaaydeh, seated at the rear of the aircraft, attempted to open the emergency exit latch. The crew moved him to a seat in the middle of the plane, where he allegedly made a second attempt to open another emergency door. When a flight attendant intervened, he reportedly assaulted the crew member. Several passengers helped restrain him until the flight landed.

AirAsia confirmed the incident, noting that the safety of passengers and crew was never compromised. “Our cabin crew, who are professionally trained to respond to such situations, took all necessary steps to ensure the safety of everyone on board,” the airline said in a statement. “AirAsia has a zero-tolerance policy for inappropriate behaviour and alerted authorities upon arrival.”

Mr Alsaaydeh’s lawyer told the court that his client had no memory of the incident, no prior criminal record, and was in Australia for official meetings related to his role in nuclear waste management for the Jordanian government. He added that Alsaaydeh supports a wife, three children, and elderly parents back in Jordan.

Despite the defence, bail was denied due to the serious nature of the alleged offences and potential risk to public safety. Alsaaydeh is expected to appear at the Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday.