A Jetstar flight leaving Singapore’s Changi Airport for Darwin in Australia was delayed for more than eight hours after a row broke out between two passengers over a mobile phone.
As flight 3K161 was taxing on the runway last Friday, an angry exchange developed between a 55-year-old Filipino-Australian man, who was traveling with his wife, and a 47-year-old Australian passenger, who refused to switch off his smartphone.
The argument escalated when a female passenger sitting nearby asked for assistance when she heard the word “bomb” mentioned, Sin Chew Daily in Malaysia reported.
The aircraft immediately returned to the departure gate as part of airport protocol. Police then interviewed the Filipino-Australian couple as well as the Australian man, who refused to switch off his mobile.
It was confirmed that the word “bomb” was not mentioned during the row. The flight eventually took off the following day, according to a spokesman from Jetstar.
That stubborn Australian should be thrown out of the airplane. Using phone during takeoff is not allowed due to safety reasons. We can’t jeopardize safety just because of one arrogant, stubborn and irresponsible passenger. Regardless of nationality, race or religion, we must follow the rules and be responsible for everyone’s safety.
Should be Filipino-Australian Vs British-Australian… both of them are immigrants.
Hope they have strick rules to turn off phone.
A whole plane load of passengers delayed for 8 hours bcoz of 1man. This is wrong way to deal with the situation. Should have detained that guy with the phone for interrogation at the airport and let the rest proceed to destination.
They knows must turn off phones right? It’s for everybodys safety because soon you can turn it on anyway, but lots of passengers ignore it, the crew need to be very strict I suppose
What’s is this Filipino-australian thing and australian thing? ????