WA man charged after disorderly incident at Perth Airport

A man will face court for damaging property after a disturbance at Perth Airport last month while passengers were boarding a flight resulted in a glass door being smashed.   

AFP officers were called to attend an incident at Perth Airport on Friday, 18 November 2022, after a Perth man, 52, was prevented from boarding a flight bound for Melbourne.

It will be alleged in court the flight’s cabin crew denied the man access to the flight due to his suspected level of intoxication.

The man allegedly swung his carry-on luggage at a closed glass departure lounge door multiple times – smashing the glass.

Police officers arrested the man and escorted him from the airport terminal. He was later issued a summons to appear in Perth Magistrates Court on 15 February 2023 when he will face one count of Criminal Damage of Property, contrary to Section 444 (1)(b) of the Criminal Code Compilation Act (WA).

The maximum penalty for this offence is three years in prison and a $36,000 fine

In 2022, the AFP has responded to an increasing number of public disturbances, intoxication and offensive behaviour incidents at the nine designated  airports.

AFP Acting Superintendent Shona Davis 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,” she said.

“When travelling through the airport and when on a plane, people are bound by Australian law and where there is evidence that someone has committed a criminal offence, the AFP will take action.”

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). 

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