A shocking mid-air incident unfolded on a Saudia Airlines flight when a passenger allegedly attacked a crew member and tried to open a cabin door just seconds after landing at London’s Heathrow Airport.
Passenger Arrested After Touchdown
The incident happened on August 28 at around 1 p.m. local time. Police confirmed that a 33-year-old man was arrested after reports of a disturbance on board.
The Metropolitan Police said he was taken into custody on suspicion of:
Endangering an aircraft
Two counts of assault by beating
Threatening or abusive behaviour towards airline crew
Damaging an aircraft
What Triggered the Chaos
According to reports, the passenger began arguing with staff after the Saudia flight landed from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Moments later, he allegedly struck a crew member while trying to force open the cabin door.
Pilots immediately alerted police that the man had gone “berserk” and refused to wait for normal disembarkation.
Emergency Response at Heathrow
Photos published by local media showed several police vans and fire engines surrounding the aircraft on the runway. Firefighters even used a crane to reach the cabin door from outside.
Witnesses described the incident as terrifying, especially for families on board. “It was chaos on board and very frightening,” one passenger said. “People were stunned as police and ambulances rushed to the plane.”
Investigation Underway
The suspect was arrested inside the aircraft but later released under investigation as enquiries continue.
Flight records show the Saudia flight had left Jeddah 38 minutes late and landed in London more than six hours later. Authorities, including Saudia Airlines and the U.K. Civil Aviation Authority, have not yet commented on the matter.
The Heathrow incident highlights the growing concern over unruly passenger behaviour on flights. While no serious injuries were reported, the quick response by police and airport emergency services prevented the situation from escalating further. Investigations are still ongoing to determine what led to the violent outburst.
