Qantas flight diverted after passenger allegedly bites crew member

A Qantas flight travelling from Melbourne to Dallas was forced to divert to Papeete after a passenger allegedly became violent mid-flight and bit a flight attendant during an onboard confrontation.

According to news.com.au, the incident unfolded around three hours into the international journey on Friday after the passenger reportedly began acting aggressively onboard.

The man was allegedly restrained after becoming disruptive and biting a crew member on the arm while airline staff attempted to calm the situation.

Flight diverted to Tahiti

The aircraft was diverted to Tahiti, where local authorities boarded the plane and arrested the passenger upon landing.

According to reports from 9News Australia, the flight later refuelled in Papeete before continuing on to Dallas.

Qantas has reportedly banned the passenger from all future Qantas Group flights, including services operated by Jetstar.

No serious injuries were reported during the incident.

Passengers reportedly helped crew

Fellow passengers allegedly stepped in to assist cabin crew members during the confrontation as tensions escalated onboard.

Video footage shared online by comedian Mike Goldstein appears to show the passenger stumbling out of an aircraft bathroom while arguing with crew members and fellow travellers.

In the clip, a flight attendant can reportedly be heard telling the passenger:

“We need you to behave yourself.”

The passenger then allegedly responds:

“Bro I was just about to walk out for a cigarette.”

The footage has since circulated widely across social media platforms.

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