Passenger Bites Flight Attendant, Qantas Plane Makes Emergency Landing in Tahiti

A Qantas airline flight was forced to make an emergency landing in Tahiti after a male passenger allegedly engaged in aggressive behaviour, including biting a flight attendant.

The incident occurred on a long-haul flight from Melbourne to Dallas, USA.

The QF21 flight departed from Melbourne on Friday (May 15, 2026) at 2:30 PM local time.

According to a Qantas spokesperson, cabin crew were assisted by other passengers during the incident.

Upon arrival in Papeete, the plane was immediately met by local authorities and the passenger was removed from the aircraft. He then received a permanent flying ban from Qantas, including all future Jetstar flights.

After processing and refueling, the flight resumed approximately 35 minutes later and landed in Dallas on Saturday (May 16, 2026) morning.

“The safety of our customers and crew is our top priority. We do not tolerate abusive or threatening behaviour on board,” said the spokesperson.

Comedian Mike Goldstein uploaded a recording to social media showing the man arguing with cabin crew.

In the video, he swears at the crew several times and refuses to move to the back of the plane.

He appears unsteady on his feet and speaks incoherently, even saying he wants “to go outside for a smoke”. The cabin crew reprimanded him, saying he was acting “like a cheap watch”.

The recording does not show the biting incident, but it depicts the tense situation before the incident occurred.

This case adds to the list of disruptive flight incidents in Australia in recent months.

April 2026: A 45-year-old man from Queanbeyan was charged with aggressive behaviour on a Canberra–Perth flight, including attempting to bite another passenger while being restrained.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) reminded that aggressive behaviour on board aircraft is a serious offence. “Being in the air does not exempt anyone from the law and its consequences,” said Acting AFP Officer Peter Brindal.