Jetstar passenger opens emergency door and walks out on wing.

JETSTAR AIRBUS A320-232 VH-VFL (MSN 5489)

A passenger aboard a Jetstar flight yesterday, who saw a man open the emergency exit upon arrival in Melbourne, described the incident as "quite terrifying and scary."

A female passenger was traveling on flight JQ507 from Sydney (SYD/YSSY) to Melbourne (MEL/YMML) with a friend when a male passenger opened the emergency exit as the plane was just stopping at Melbourne Airport's gate 43 around 10 am.

The emergency slide deployed upon opening the exit, but the man proceeded to walk on the wing and descend via the engine to the ground, where he was apprehended. Passengers recounted to the media that passengers in the emergency row screamed as the man barged past them to open the door.

The 21-year-old noted the man had been seated diagonally opposite her. He had risen during the plane's taxiing and was instructed by the cabin crew to sit down, which he complied with. However, once the plane ceased movement, "he bolted to the front towards the emergency exit row in the middle, angrily shoved people aside, and then tore off the emergency exit door," she explained.

"I was really shocked. My friend and I were conversing at that moment, and we just froze when we heard the shrieking. We were quite terrified," she added.

"The behavior was really strange and erratic. Everyone was taken aback by the unfolding events." Ms. Varghese praised the cabin crew for their excellent job in pacifying the passengers.

"The cabin crew, along with the passengers, ensured that no one was harmed."

All other passengers on the flight remained seated throughout the incident.

Charges will be pressed at a later date

A Melbourne Airport spokesperson released a statement saying the passenger was immediately restrained by ground staff and taken into custody.

"Melbourne Airport commends the ground crew's exceptional response, ensuring there was no immediate threat to other passengers or airport personnel," they stated.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) reported that the man was detained for aggressive conduct and violating aircraft safety protocols.

Aircraft Information:

Airline: Jetstar

Code: JQ/JST

Aircraft: Airbus A320-232

Registration: VH-VFL

Serial Number: 5489

Engines: 2 x IAE V2527-A5

First Flew: February 2013

Age: 11 Years