Jetstar flight 3K161 scheduled to depart Changi Airport Terminal 1 at 11.05pm on Friday, Dec. 22, 2017, was made to turn back to the boarding gate.

This was allegedly due to an in-flight incident that occurred when the plane was taxiing and ready for takeoff.

The plane was bound for Darwin, Australia.

Commotion

According to passengers on the flight, a commotion broke out between two passengers when the plane was preparing to depart and the cabin lights had already been dimmed.

Eyewitnesses said the altercation between the two passengers started when one of them was still allegedly talking on his mobile phone as the plane was ready for takeoff.

As the passenger who was on the phone did not cease using his device, the other passenger snatched it away.

This prompted the passenger who was using the phone to shout for security.

Stewardesses alerted

According to passengers on the plane, it is believed one female passenger seated behind the duo then pressed the alarm button on the plane to alert the stewardesses of the struggle between the two male passengers.

It is understood that the plane was turned around as a safety precaution after the crew was alerted, as the female passenger also claimed she heard the word "bomb".

It is also understood that the pilot made an in-flight announcement explaining to the passengers why the plane had to be turned around, mentioning it was for the safety of the crew and passengers.

The duo involved in the altercation were believed to be seated in one of the rows in the middle of the plane. They are also believed to be non-Singaporean.

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Police showed up

The police and fire crew were deployed and waiting at the boarding gate by the time the plane turned back, passengers said.

The flight was half-full, according to passengers on board.

It is understood that statements from eyewitnesses were taken until about 3am.

Affected passengers have been rescheduled for a 7.15am flight on Dec. 23.

The two male passengers are believed to be taking separate flights.

Update:

In response to media queries, Jetstar has provided the following statement at 6.22am:

- Three passengers were involved in a dispute on a flight from Singapore to Darwin on Friday, Dec. 22 during which, verbal threats were made.

- The aircraft was taxiing towards the runway for take-off and the captain decided to return to the gate, where local authorities took custody of the three passengers for further investigation.

- The flight will resume at 7.15am on Dec. 23, Saturday.

- In view of the delay, meal vouchers were distributed to all customers. Families with young children were granted lounge access for greater comfort.

- We take safety and security seriously and we don’t tolerate threats or disruptive behaviour by passengers on our flights.