Flight diverted after passenger allegedly runs naked through plane

An unruly passenger who allegedly ran naked down the aisle of an Australian domestic flight and knocked down a crew member, forcing the plane to turn back, has been arrested.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has confirmed officers responded to a request for assistance from airline staff travelling on flight VA696 from Perth to Melbourne on Monday night. The flight departed from Perth Airport around 7.20pm local time and turned back less than an hour later due to a “disruptive passenger on board”, according to a Virgin Australia statement.

The flight arrived back to Perth Airport just before 8pm local time where AFP officers were waiting for the plane and “the disruptive guest was offloaded”, Virgin said. The airline issued an apology to “guests impacted,” adding the safety of passengers and crew was its top priority.

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In a statement, police said, “officers arrested a man after he allegedly ran naked through the aircraft mid-flight and knocked a crew member to the floor.” A caller told Melbourne radio station 3AW said the unruly passenger attempted to get into the cockpit and ultimately had to be handcuffed by two air marshals.

“A male passenger suddenly went bananas running up and down the aisle and bashing on the cockpit door,” the caller said. “Two air marshals had to restrain and handcuff the individual until the (plane) landed.”

After being arrested at Perth Airport, the man was transferred to hospital for assessment, where he remains. Charges are being finalised and the man is expected to be summoned to appear before Perth Magistrates Court on June 14. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

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