An air passenger has been hailed a national hero in Mongolia for preventing what was claimed to be a terrorist attack on a Cathay Pacific flight to Hong Kong.
Zayabaatar Buyannemekh was given a bravery award by the Mongolian government after saying he helped wrestle to the floor a Philippines 'terrorist' who threatened passengers and cabin crew with a knife before trying to open one of the emergency doors.
The drama is alleged to have taken place on flight CX712 from Bangkok on Monday.
But while the incident received maximum publicity in Mongolia, the airline and police in Hong Kong played it down.
A Cathay Pacific spokeswoman said although an assault did take place on the flight, 'there is no evidence whatsoever to suggest it involved a terrorist attack'.
Hong Kong police said a report was made to them at 7.30pm on Monday about an expatriate man suspected of attacking two flight attendants on the plane.