Malaysia Airlines flight MH128 has returned to Melbourne Airport after departure after a passenger tried to enter the cockpit, stating he had explosives onboard. A statement has been released by the airline:
Other sources, including Flightradar24, state that a possible hijacker announced he had “explosives on board,” prompting the pilots to return to Melbourne. The aircraft is currently at a remote stand at the airport waiting on assistance from security officials.
Melbourne Airport is currently on lockdown while security officials deal with the incident. There are unofficial reports that a man has been arrested after being subdued by passengers onboard. Some passengers claim the man was holding an “electronic frequency” device, not a bomb.
Flight #MH128 took off at 23:27. Reached a maximum altitude of 6400 ft at 23:31. Landed at 23:41, after being airborne for 14 minutes.
The aircraft involved is 5 year old Airbus A330-343 9M-MTI (MSN 1337)
Armed police have now boarded the aircraft and all passengers have been evacuated.
There is a possibility that the man was intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol.
Official Statement from Malaysia Airlines:
MH128, which had departed Melbourne Airport at 11.11pm scheduled to arrive Kuala Lumpur at 5.28am on 1 June, made a turn back to Melbourne after the operating Captain was alerted by a cabin crew of a passenger attempting to enter the cockpit.
Malaysia Airlines would like to stress that at no point was the aircraft ‘hijacked’.
MH128 safely landed in Melbourne airport at 11.41pm.
Following the incident on MH128, the disruptive passenger has been apprehended by airport security. Malaysia Airlines together with the Australian authorities will be investigating the incident.
Safety and security are of utmost priority to malaysia airlines. The airline wishes to apologise for the inconvenience caused.
Passengers have safely disembarked the aircraft and will be screened by Australian authorities.
They will be accommodated at hotels and offered on the next available flight or on other carriers.
#MH128 Security Incident The World of Aviation