An intoxicated passenger forced an AirAsia flight to make an emergency landing after stripping to his underwear, threatening crew members, and demanding the cabin door be opened mid-flight before being arrested on the runway.
Chaos at 30,000 Feet
AirAsia flight FD647 departed Nha Trang, Vietnam, on January 29, bound for Bangkok, Thailand, when the situation rapidly deteriorated. The already-delayed flight faced complete disruption when a Russian-speaking passenger began removing his clothes, wandering the aisles in black underwear, and jumping between seats. He repeatedly shouted demands in English, telling crew members not to touch him while insisting they open the aircraft door during flight.
Русский турист на рейсе Нячанг — Бангкок после посадки прыгнул без трапа, повредил ногу и попытался сбежать.
Не дотерпел – сильно русский дух стремился наружу из тесной оболочки самолета! pic.twitter.com/EgsDP4xzMj— FAKE OFF (@fakeofforg) January 30, 2026
The man’s erratic behavior escalated as he banged on bathroom doors, argued with passengers, and screamed about jumping from the plane. Video footage captured him yelling threats and attempting to provoke physical confrontations with flight attendants. His aggressive actions and apparent intoxication created a dangerous environment that left passengers frightened and crew members struggling to maintain control of the aircraft.
Emergency Response and Arrest
The flight crew immediately contacted the captain and requested an emergency diversion to Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport. Upon landing, the disruptive passenger continued his outburst, demanding immediate release from the aircraft. Before ground crews could properly position the boarding stairs, he jumped directly onto the runway, injuring his leg in the process. Despite his injury, the man attempted to flee across the tarmac while still wearing only underwear.
Aviation Security Concerns
This incident highlights ongoing challenges facing commercial aviation regarding disruptive passengers and mid-flight security threats. Airlines continue implementing stricter protocols for identifying and managing intoxicated travelers before boarding. The emergency landing caused significant delays and financial costs while potentially endangering all passengers aboard. Thai authorities quickly apprehended the suspect on the runway, demonstrating effective coordination between airline crews and law enforcement agencies in handling aviation emergencies.