A New Zealand national is appeared in the Broadmeadows Magistrates Court on 24 October 2024, facing charges for allegedly assaulting a crew member during an international flight.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) received a report early on 23 October 2024 regarding an allegedly intoxicated and disruptive passenger on a flight from Perth to Auckland, New Zealand.
According to the flight crew, the 23-year-old man refused to comply with their instructions and allegedly assaulted a crew member, resulting in minor injuries to the staff member.
The flight was diverted to Melbourne Airport, where AFP officers boarded the plane and removed the passenger, who had been restrained at the rear of the aircraft.
The man has been charged with one count of assaulting a crew member in the performance of their duties, an offence under section 21 of the Crimes (Aviation) Act 1991 (Cth), which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
AFP Detective Superintendent Stephen Cook noted the disruption caused by the incident, stating, “Any violence or anti-social behaviour in a confined space in the air is distressing for other passengers and crew. At the very least, this alleged incident disrupted everyone’s travel plans.”
“Anti-social behaviour during a flight can pose a direct threat to the safety of the aircraft, and this is taken very seriously by airlines and the AFP,” Det-Supt Cook added.
The AFP provides aviation security at nine major airports across Australia. Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious behaviour at Australian airports to Airport Watch on 131 237.
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