‘Terrifying’ In-Flight Struggle: Two Men Restrained With Cable Ties After Alleged Gun Threat on Melbourne–Doha Flight

Two passengers were restrained with cable ties and held to their seats after allegedly making violent threats, including claiming to have a gun, aboard a long-haul flight from Melbourne to Doha.

The incident occurred on flight VA7, operated by Qatar Airways for Virgin Australia, which departed Melbourne Airport at about 4 p.m. local time on Friday, Sept. 11. Regional outlets including The Sydney Morning Herald, 7 News and 9 News reported that two male passengers became increasingly disruptive and confrontational during the journey and were arrested after the aircraft landed in Doha, Qatar.

Witnesses described the men as agitated and restless from the time they boarded. One passenger told The Sydney Morning Herald that the pair repeatedly left their seats, moved around the cabin and intruded into other passengers' space, at times handling or displacing others' belongings. The same witness said the men frequently rummaged through their luggage as if searching for misplaced items.

The behaviour escalated several hours before landing when the men began arguing and then physically fighting. Footage shared on Instagram by 3AW Drive host Jacqui Felgate shows cabin crew and passengers struggling to subdue the pair during what witnesses called a "terrifying" episode. Several flight attendants reportedly endured physical abuse while trying to contain the situation.

Doha, QatarCredit: Getty

"Very scary, these guys were completely agitated and aggressive. Really big props to the Qatar flight attendants — they were hands on for about 10 hours straight and I saw a couple of them get physically abused," one witness told Felgate.

Other eyewitnesses alleged the men were headbutting and spitting at crew members. Multiple passengers and crew joined to restrain each man; at times at least six people were involved in subduing a single individual. Reports say cable ties were used to secure the men to their seats until authorities could take over on the ground.

Upon arrival at Hamad International Airport, both men were detained and handed to local Qatari authorities for further investigation. Qatar Airways confirmed the onboard altercation in a statement to PEOPLE, noting that "both passengers were restrained and, upon arrival in Doha, were handed over to local authorities" and reiterating that "the safety and wellbeing of our crew and passengers remain our highest priority."

Virgin Australia, Melbourne Airport and Hamad International Airport did not immediately provide comment to PEOPLE. Passengers praised the actions of the cabin crew and called for a review of whether the individuals should be permitted to return to Australia, given the reported threats.

What we know: Two men allegedly made violent threats, claimed to have a firearm, were restrained using cable ties and handed to Qatari authorities after the flight landed. Video of the incident was circulated on social media and multiple eyewitnesses described the scene as prolonged and frightening for passengers and crew.