Two disruptive passengers reportedly had to be restrained by fellow travellers after allegedly spitting at and headbutting cabin crew while claiming to have a gun aboard a flight from Melbourne to Doha.
Passengers were forced to intervene after two men allegedly became violent towards cabin crew and claimed they were carrying a gun during a long-haul flight from Australia to Qatar.
The dramatic incident unfolded aboard Virgin Australia flight VA7 from Melbourne to Doha on Friday, September 11.
Although carrying a Virgin Australia flight number, the service is operated by Qatar Airways on Virgin’s behalf under a wet-lease agreement, using a Qatar Airways Boeing 777-300ER and Qatar Airways crew. Qatar Airways also markets the flight as QR8402.
VA7 departed Melbourne Airport shortly after 1600 local time for the approximately 14-hour flight to Hamad International Airport in Doha.
Cabin crew allegedly headbutted and spat at
According to reports from passengers on board, the situation escalated dramatically during the flight when the two men allegedly became aggressive.
Witnesses claimed the pair headbutted and spat at members of the cabin crew while shouting that they had a gun.
As the disturbance continued, fellow passengers reportedly stepped in to help the crew restrain the men. Crew eventually secured the pair with restraints, including cable ties, and moved them to the galley area.
Australian media reported that as many as six or seven people were required to bring the situation under control. Images and video circulated show the aftermath of the disturbance, with the men reportedly remaining restrained for the remainder of the journey.
One 63-year-old passenger, who was sitting close to where the disturbance unfolded, reportedly kept relatives updated about what was happening during the flight and described the ordeal as terrifying.
Despite the seriousness of the alleged threat, the aircraft continued to Doha rather than diverting.
Authorities meet aircraft in Doha
Qatar Airways confirmed that authorities were waiting for the aircraft when it arrived at Hamad International Airport.
Local officials reportedly removed the two men from the aircraft after it arrived.
In a statement reported by Australian media, Qatar Airways reiterated that the safety and wellbeing of its passengers and crew remained its highest priority.
At the time of writing, the identities of the two passengers have not been publicly released, and it is unclear what charges, if any, they may face in Qatar.
The Australian Federal Police told 7NEWS that it had not commented on the incident at that stage.
The incident remains under investigation.
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