A passenger has appeared in Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court on May 20, 2024 for allegedly attempting to open an aircraft emergency exit door on an international flight.
A report by the Sydney Morning Herald has identified the passenger as Rahulreet Singh Mann
Mann, a Canadian citizen aged 33, was charged after arriving at Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) on a flight from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) on May 14, 2024.
According to Australian Federal Police (AFP), about two hours into the flight, another passenger noticed Mann attempting to open the emergency exit door and pulled him away.
Airline staff moved him to a seat at the rear of the aircraft and supervised him for the remainder of the flight.
It is alleged that Mann was intoxicated at the time of the incident.
The AFP, who responded to a request to meet the flight at the arrivals gate at SYD Airport, then arrested Mann and charged him with one count of threatening the safety of an aircraft, contrary to section 24 (1)(b)(ii) Civil Aviation Act 1988.
“The AFP and our aviation partners have no tolerance for antisocial, violent or dangerous behavior and we will take action,” AFP Detective Inspector Stephenson said in a press statement.
“Passengers expect to feel safe and should not have to witness or endure intoxication or reckless behavior,” Stephenson said, emphasizing that the AFP was committed to supporting airport staff and ensuring that all travelers experienced a safe journey from their departure through to their arrival at their destination.
Mann appeared before Downing Centre Local Court, where he entered a not guilty plea. He currently remains on bail and is expected to be back in court on July 8, 2024.