Passenger Causes Chaos by Exiting Plane via Wing at Melbourne Airport

A passenger was arrested at Melbourne Airport after exiting a Jetstar flight through an emergency hatch, walking along the wing, and climbing down a jet engine. The man, displaying erratic behavior, was detained by staff and later arrested by police. He is currently undergoing medical assessment.

A passenger was arrested at an Australian airport after he exited a stationary airliner through an emergency exit, walked along a wing, and then climbed down a jet engine to the tarmac on Thursday, officials said.

Jetstar Flight JQ507 had arrived at Melbourne Airport from Sydney and had parked at a terminal gate when the man left the plane by the right-side exit, officials confirmed.

Opening the emergency exit automatically deployed a slide from the back of the wing to the ground, according to a Jetstar statement, but the man chose to walk along the wing and descend via one of the Airbus A320's engines, an official added.

Passenger Audrey Varghese described the scene as chaotic, noting that others onboard screamed as the individual began exhibiting erratic behavior before opening the hatch. "As soon as the plane started coming to a stop, he immediately got up and charged to where the emergency exit row is," Varghese told Melbourne Radio 3AW.

The man was promptly detained by aircrew and ground staff before being arrested by the Australian Federal Police for "alleged aggressive behavior and breaching aircraft safety protocols." He was assessed by paramedics and transported to a hospital for further evaluation.

Authorities stated the investigation is ongoing and charges are likely to be filed at a later date. Melbourne Airport commended the quick response by ground crew, noting there was no immediate danger to other passengers or airport staff.

(With inputs from agencies.)