A West Australian man has reportedly been charged after a bomb threat forced a passenger plane bound for Perth to return to Singapore under fighter jet escort.
The Scoot budget airline flight TR16 left Singapore's Changi Airport at 4.10pm local time (7.11pm AEDT) yesterday heading for the Western Australia capital.
About 40 minutes into the flight a bomb threat was allegedly made mid-air.
Flight tracking data showed how the Dreamliner 787 plane circled several times off the Singapore coast before heading back.
Passengers were first told this was due to a "technical issue" before an announcement was made about the bomb threat when the military escort arrived outside their window.
"A call was received that a bomb is on board our aircraft," the captain told passengers, before adding: "Please do not be alarmed as we believe it is a hoax."
The incidents had passengers fearing the worst.
"I know there was no internet up there but I just kept typing and typing and typing," Sue Nair told 9News.
"I really panicked."
Singapore Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said in a Facebook post that two F-15SG fighter planes were scrambled to escort the Scoot flight back to Changi Airport.
The plane landed safely at about 6.30pm Singapore time (9.30pm AEDT) and the aircraft was boarded by security personnel.
One runway was closed and several incoming flights were delayed during the operation, local media reports.
The Australian man, aged 30, was escorted off the Scoot plane by police and reportedly charged.
Passengers described the man as being "a bit dazed" and said "he didn't speak at all" when confronted by crew and authorities.
A friend of the man said his mate had been struggling with his mental health.
"I spoke to his mum this morning, she's very distressed, very confused," the friend told 9News.
"I'm worried he's not getting the support he needs, he's got no one around him, he's an Aussie overseas."
Those on board flight TR16 finally arrived at Perth Airport around 4am, with the ordeal causing an eight-hour delay.
The airline issued an apology to passengers for the disruption to their journey, although most passengers were just happy to be home safe.
Police investigations are continuing.
9News.com.au has contacted the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for comment.
Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78.
In an emergency, call triple zero (000).
