Plane diverted after passenger bites cabin crew member

Plane diverted after passenger bites cabin crew member

17.05.2026 22:40

There were horrifying moments on a Qantas plane that took off from Melbourne to the US state of Texas. According to allegations, after a disruptive passenger bit a flight attendant trying to calm him down, the pilot decided to change the route. The plane made an emergency landing in Tahiti for security reasons.

A passenger plane belonging to Qantas Airways, which departed from Melbourne, Australia to Texas, USA, was forced to change its route due to a passenger who attacked a crew member. The plane made an emergency landing on Tahiti Island in French Polynesia because of the passenger allegedly causing a disturbance and biting a cabin crew member. 

It was reported that the incident occurred on flight QF21, Melbourne-Dallas, approximately 7 hours after takeoff. According to witnesses, the passenger, who was claimed to be under the influence of alcohol, started shouting and swearing on the plane. Despite warnings from the cabin crew, the individual allegedly physically assaulted and bit a crew member. 

PASSENGERS ALSO INTERVENED

It was learned that during the panic on the plane, some passengers helped the cabin crew to subdue the aggressive passenger. The pilot reportedly decided to change the route for safety reasons, and the plane was diverted to Papeete, the capital of Tahiti. 

STRONG DECISION FROM THE AIRLINE

After the plane landed in Tahiti, police teams took the aggressive passenger into custody. Qantas Airways announced that the individual has been banned from flying for life following the incident. In a statement from the company, it said, "The safety of our customers and employees is our top priority. We have zero tolerance for threatening behavior." 

After refueling, the plane took off again and continued its journey to Dallas. It was reported that the flight was completed with a delay of several hours due to the incident.

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