Triple M's Grill Team chat to freelance photographer and unlucky Etihad passenger, Jared Marshall about the 'bewildering' Flight EY461 to Abu Dhabi.

TERRIFIED passengers from an Etihad flight on which three fires were lit have hit out at the airline for exposing them to a possible terror threat.

Flight EY461 to Abu Dhabi left Melbourne about 11pm on Monday, but was diverted to Jakarta after smoke was seen coming from two of toilets on the plane.

After security checks at the Indonesian capital the passengers were told immigration issues meant they had to reboard the plane, and just two hours from their destination in Abu Dhabi, another fire broke out.

“The plane after landing in Jakarta had all economy class passengers disembark for a security check — the fires were in the economy section of the plane. All passengers were then put back on the plane,” one passenger, who asked not to be named, said.

“The plane should never have been allowed to leave Jakarta with the culprit / terrorist whoever he was allowed back on the plane.

Another passenger tweeted: “Etihad absolutely disgusted by your treatment of customers who were on board EY461 from MEL-AUH and was diverted to CGK, never again” - @TraceyILee.

She also tweeted: “Etihad Airways to not even feed customers for almost 15 hours is a disgrace. Airline of the year? What a joke”

“The Indonesian authorities did not act in the interests of passenger safety and Etihad’s decision to fly onto Abu Dhabi needs to be questioned. Lives were placed at risk, particularly when a third fire started about 4 hours into the flight from Jakarta,” the passenger said.

The first fire is believed to have broken out about three to four hours into the flight, when most passengers were asleep.

Another passenger said flames were coming from the toilet and smoke filled the cabin.

“It was extinguished and there was an announcement reminding us all smoking was strictly prohibited,” the woman said.

“(Airline staff) assumed that’s what caused it.

“The (second) fire was in the rear toilet, not far from where I was sitting. I could see the flames and cabin filled with smoke,” she said.

It took two fire extinguishers to put out the blaze, she said.

An Etihad Airways spokesman said the captain decided to divert the aircraft as a “precautionary measure” and to allow Indonesian authorities to assist him to “conduct a security assessment of the situation.”

It remained on the ground for two-and-a-half hours as all economy class passengers had to disembark and go through a security check.

“The flight resumed after a security search of the aircraft, passengers and their carry-on luggage,” the spokesman said.

There are unconfirmed reports from local media that a young woman in her early twenties is being investigated in relation to the fires, which are believed to have been deliberately lit.

However, it is also understood that a number of individuals were taken in for questioning.

Passengers who contacted News Corp Australia report that there were scenes of fear and panic as the fires were discovered, blaming both Indonesian authorities and Etihad Airways for what they say was an inadequate response.

“It was not thorough, no suspect was identified and we were told by cabin crew that due to immigration issues we could not stay in Jakarta,” a passenger said.

“We had no option but to continue to Abu Dhabi.

“Passengers were very concerned and the captain came out to reassure those passengers who voiced their concerns. He said that it wouldn’t happen again,” the passenger said.

After leaving Jakarta, the airline spokesman said the captain implemented “strict controls” over passenger movement in the cabin, particularly passenger access to the toilet.

However, two hours before arriving in Abu Dhabi, another fire was discovered.

“The captain decided to position crew members at each of the toilets which meant that normal cabin service was not possible,” the spokesman said.

“The food and beverage service was discontinued and the crew continued to monitor and secure toilet access for the remainder of the flight.”

Police are continuing an investigation in Abu Dhabi.

Aviation safety analyst Rob Collins from RD Collins & Associates said the situation could have been much worse.

“Any fire on-board an aircraft can be potentially very serious, there’s no doubt about it,” he said.

“If it’s not dealt with quickly it could take hold in the cabin furnishings and materials, while the smoke can be very dangerous.”

However, Mr Collins said aircraft fire detection systems are very advanced and that cabin crew are well drilled in safety procedures.

He said it was possible that the person responsible for the fires had used a cigarette lighter they had brought on-board in their carry-on luggage.

Passengers took to social media after landing to express their relief and concern.

Were you on flight EY461 and saw what happened? E-mail: julian.swallow@news.com.au