14 October 2023, 8:18am
Media Release
Alleged disorderly traveller restrained by fellow passengers on board flight to Melbourne
A Queensland woman accused of being intoxicated and abusive on a flight from Cairns to Melbourne will be issued with infringement notices, after the captain authorised crew and fellow passengers to intervene to restrain them.
The AFP responded to a request for assistance from an airline upon the flight’s arrival into Melbourne in the early hours of Friday morning (13 October, 2023).
Police officers escorted the woman, 44, from the flight after it arrived in Melbourne.
It will be alleged the woman was consuming her own supply of alcohol on board and became disorderly and abusive towards passengers and cabin crew.
Two passengers on board the flight identified themselves as off-duty first responders and assisted the cabin crew.
The flight’s captain then authorised the use of on-board restraints to de-escalate the situation which were removed when AFP members attended at the gate in Melbourne.
The woman from Mareeba will be issued with an infringement for:
- Behaving in an offensive and disorderly manner in an aircraft, contrary to section 256aa(1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations Act 1988 (Cth).
The maximum penalty for unruly behaviour on an aircraft is 50 penalty units at $275 per unit being a fine of up to $13,750.
AFP Acting Superintendent Amanda Glover said the AFP was committed to supporting airport staff and ensuring all travellers experienced a safe journey from their departure through to their arrival at their destination.
“The AFP and our aviation partners have no tolerance for antisocial, violent or dangerous behaviour and we will take action,” A/Supt Glover said.
“It would be frightening for anyone being confined in an enclosed space with someone who is behaving aggressively.
“The brave actions of the two fellow passengers who assisted in containing this situation is commended.
“Passengers, especially those travelling with children, expect to feel safe and should not have to witness intoxication, violence or bad behaviour.
“The AFP is committed to delivering robust Aviation security arrangements which ensure the safety of the travelling public.”
If you require a police presence at an airport, or wish to report an incident or provide information, please call the AFP’s Airport Watch on 131 AFP (131 237).
Media enquiries
AFP Media: (02) 5126 9297
Connect with the AFP: Follow our Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube pages to learn more about what the AFP does to keep Australia safe.
