SINGAPORE — A Jetstar flight departing Changi Airport for the Australian city of Darwin had to be delayed for more than eight hours on Friday (Dec 22) after a heated argument broke out between two passengers over a mobile phone.

TODAY understands that Jetstar flight 3K161 was taxing towards the runway for take-off when a passenger, believed to be a 55-year-old Filipino Australian, told off another passenger nearby for failing to switch off his mobile device.

Prior to that, a procedural in-flight announcement was made for passengers to switch off their phones, which the latter failed to do so.

The latter — who TODAY understands is a 47-year-old Australian — was in the middle of a call when he was confronted. Unhappy that he was criticised by a fellow passenger, the 47-year-old man argued back.

As the squabble escalated, during which "verbal threats were made", the flight captain decided to return to the gate, Jetstar Group spokesperson, Robin Goh, told TODAY.

According to a passenger, one of the men allegedly mentioned the word "bomb".

A police spokesman said that they were alerted to a case of public nuisance at Changi Airport at 11.26pm, and started questioning passengers sitting around the two men if they overheard the commotion.

The police later established that the word was misheard.

"Local authorities took custody of the three passengers for further investigation," said Mr Goh.

TODAY understands the third passenger is the wife of the 55-year-old Filipino Australian.

The flight eventually resumed at 7.15am on Saturday without the three passengers.

The remaining affected passengers were given meal vouchers, while families with young children were allowed access to the lounge, Mr Goh said.

"We take safety and security seriously and we don't tolerate threats or disruptive behaviour by passengers on our flights," added Mr Goh.

The two men are currently assisting with police investigations.