Two passengers had to be physically restrained during a long-haul flight to the Middle East after allegedly becoming violent and threatening that they had a gun.
The chaos unfolded aboard Virgin Australia flight VA7, operated by Qatar Airways, which departed Melbourne, Australia, around 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 11, bound for Doha, Qatar.
According to witnesses, the two men appeared agitated almost from the moment they boarded.
One female passenger said the men were constantly getting out of their seats, moving around the cabin, invading other passengers’ space and touching or moving belongings.
She also said they repeatedly searched through their luggage while claiming they had misplaced certain items.
Things reportedly became much worse about six hours before the plane was scheduled to land.
The men allegedly began arguing and fighting, forcing crew members and passengers to step in.
Witnesses said the pair became extremely aggressive, with one claiming they threatened to hurt and shoot people and said they had a gun.
Videos shared online appeared to show flight attendants struggling to control the situation as the men were restrained.
One witness described the incident as “very scary” and said Qatar Airways crew members were dealing with the men for roughly 10 hours.
The witness also claimed some flight attendants were physically assaulted during the ordeal.
Another passenger alleged the men were headbutting and spitting at crew members.
At one point, each man reportedly required at least six people to help restrain him.
The two passengers were eventually secured to their seats using restraints until the plane arrived in Doha.
Qatar Airways confirmed that two male passengers were involved in a physical altercation during the flight.
“Both passengers were restrained and, upon arrival in Doha, were handed over to local authorities,” the airline said in a statement.
Police arrested both men after the aircraft landed.
Qatar Airways said the safety and wellbeing of passengers and crew remained its top priority.
Virgin Australia, Melbourne Airport and Hamad International Airport did not immediately comment publicly on the incident.
