KUALA LUMPUR (May 31): Malaysia Airlines Bhd has come out to explain that it was forced to turn back its flight MH128 from Melbourne to Kuala Lumpur due to a disruptive passenger and stressed that at no point was the aircraft 'hijacked'.

"Following the incident on MH128, the disruptive passenger has been apprehended by airport security. Malaysia Airlines together with the Australian authorities will be investigating the incident," said the national carrier in its latest statement today.

"Malaysia Airlines flight MH128 departed Melbourne airport at 11.11pm (today) and was to arrive in Kuala Lumpur at 5.28am on June 1. (However, it) made a turn back to Melbourne after the operating captain was alerted by a cabin crew of a passenger attempting to enter the cockpit," it said.
 
Malaysia Airlines said MH128 safely landed in Melbourne airport at 11.41pm.

"Passengers have safely disembarked the aircraft and will be screened by Australian authorities. The affected passengers will be accommodated at hotels. They will be offered on the next available flight or on other carriers.’

"Safety and security are of Malaysia Airlines' utmost priority. The airline wishes to apologise for the inconvenience caused," it added.

Melbourne newspaper Herald Sun reported that Melbourne airport was in a lockdown due to the incident involving the flight. Other unconfirmed reports said a passenger tried to enter the cockpit, claiming to have explosives.