Naked man forces plane to return in mid‑flight drama

During a domestic flight in Australia, the plane was forced to turn back and land at the airport. According to witness reports, the issue involved one of the "troublesome passengers."

A Virgin Australia plane flying from Perth to Melbourne was forced to turn back and land shortly after takeoff on Monday evening.

According to "The Guardian," a spokesman for Virgin Australia said that the flight, which usually lasts about three and a half hours, was interrupted by a "troublesome passenger."

"The safety of our guests and crew is our top priority and we sincerely apologise to guests impacted," said the airline's spokesman.

The federal police reported that airport staff alerted them to the incident. According to Sterling, a passenger who spoke to "The Guardian," the unusual situation occurred an hour after the flight started. "Suddenly I hear someone running down the aisle, and the guy has no clothes on and is just charging towards the front of the plane," he stated.

The passenger admitted he was initially alarmed at the sight of someone running toward the cockpit. At first, he thought it was an attack. Additionally, the naked man allegedly knocked over a flight attendant. There was a lot of yelling and screaming" near the cockpit, the passenger reported to "The Guardian."

"Initially you think, God forbid, it could be an attack. It’s really distressing being on a plane in that situation. One good Samaritan, this big guy in business class, jumped up straight away to intervene and then these two other guys later got up and tackled him to the ground," said Sterling.

Fortunately, no one was injured during the incident.

"Two air marshals had to restrain and handcuff the individual until the [flight] landed," said a passenger to radio 3AW in Melbourne.

The disruptive passenger was taken to a local hospital for examination. He remained under observation until Tuesday.

The federal police stated that the man would be summoned to appear before a magistrate in Perth in June. According to "The Guardian," charges against him have not yet been finalized, and the investigation into the incident is ongoing.