A Jetstar flight bound for Melbourne was forced to return to Bali after a disruptive passenger attempted to open an aircraft door mid-flight, endangering everyone–and triggering panic and an emergency response.
At a Glance
- A Jetstar flight from Bali to Melbourne was forced to turn back after a woman tried to open the plane door mid-flight.
- The incident occurred at 33,000 feet, two hours into the journey.
- An off-duty police officer restrained the woman before further escalation.
- Authorities in Bali detained the passenger upon landing.
- The flight was canceled, impacting over 260 travelers.
Mid-Air Disturbance Sparks Emergency Return
A Jetstar flight from Denpasar, Bali to Melbourne abruptly returned to its departure point after a passenger attempted to open an aircraft door while the plane was cruising at 33,000 feet. The passenger, described by the airline as “disruptive,” reportedly lifted the emergency exit handle, setting off cockpit alerts and alarming crew and passengers.
According to News.com.au, the passenger’s bizarre behavior stemmed from dissatisfaction with her seat. Brooke Jowett, a reality TV contestant on Australian Survivor, was on board and described the ordeal: “Two hours into the flight, flight attendants start running, people start freaking out. A passenger tried forcing open the emergency door mid-air.”
Watch 9News coverage of the mid-air emergency.
Quick Thinking Prevents Disaster
The situation was swiftly handled when an off-duty police officer restrained the passenger before she could go further. Jetstar confirmed that a cockpit warning was triggered when the woman manipulated the door handle. The captain made the call to return the aircraft to Denpasar, prioritizing passenger safety.
As reported by People, the captain explained over the PA system: “She lifted the handle. We got a door warning. The safest course of action is to return to land.”
Airline and Authority Response
Upon landing, local law enforcement boarded the aircraft and escorted the woman off. Jetstar released a statement via New York Post, reaffirming its zero-tolerance policy: “The safety and welfare of our customers and crew is our top priority. This sort of unacceptable behavior will never be tolerated on our flights.”
More than 260 passengers were affected by the flight’s cancellation, with Jetstar working to accommodate them on alternate routes and handle luggage reclaims.
Understanding the Safety Risk
Despite the alarm caused, experts have reiterated that opening an aircraft door at cruising altitude is physically impossible due to cabin pressurization. Aviation professor Doug Drury told multiple outlets that “these doors cannot be opened above 10,000 feet under any circumstances,” meaning the incident posed little structural risk—though it remained a serious safety and behavioral concern.
Growing Concern Over In-Flight Behavior
This latest disruption adds to a spate of recent incidents involving passenger misconduct aboard Australian carriers. In another recent Jetstar flight, a dispute over a reclining seat escalated into a physical altercation. The aviation industry continues to face challenges in maintaining cabin order amid rising travel tensions.
