09 October 2023, 10:01am
Media Release
Queensland man charged for alleged abusive behaviour on domestic flight
A Queensland man is expected to appear in Downing Centre Local Court today (9 October, 2023) after he was arrested and charged by the AFP at Sydney Airport last month (September) for allegedly being disruptive and offensive on a flight.
The man was arrested on 16 September, 2023 after an airline notified the AFP of alleged concerns about a passenger on a Gold Coast-bound flight. Flight crew decided to abort a planned take-off and return to the gate because of the alleged actions of the defendant.
AFP officers boarded the plane and spoke to the man, who allegedly refused to comply with police directions.
The Bundall man, 25, was escorted off the plane and arrested. After officers spoke to witnesses, the man was charged with endangering the safety of an aircraft, contrary to section 22 of the Crimes (Aviation) Act 1991 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 10 years’ imprisonment.
AFP Detective Superintendent Morgen Blunden said there was zero tolerance for disruptive, rude or abusive behaviour anywhere in the airport or on a plane.
“Other passengers and crew should not be subjected to bad behaviour, it can be quite frightening to be in an enclosed space with someone who is abusive or aggressive,” he said.
“These incidents can also cause delays for other travellers and staff. The AFP works closely with the airline industry to intervene if anyone’s behaviour interferes with the safe operation of a flight.”
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