The AFP responded to more than 4000 incidents at major Australian airports during the holiday period, with 93 people charged and 132 counts laid for alleged criminal conduct.
Between 1 December, 2024, and 31 January, 2025, the AFP has recorded officers responding to 4205 incidents* at airports across the country, of which 93 led to criminal charges.
Almost 50 per cent of charges were for offences against other people or property.
This included a woman, 34, who was charged with allegedly assaulting two AFP officers at Perth Airport, one of whom was taken to hospital for injuries to his face and neck.
The remaining charges related to offences such as breaches of security zones, and unattended or prohibited items.
AFP Aviation Commander Craig Bellis said the AFP had zero tolerance for antisocial, violent or dangerous behaviour towards passengers, staff or law enforcement at airports and on aeroplanes.
"Travelling through our airports should be a safe experience, which is why the AFP and its government and industry partners work closely to prevent, disrupt and respond to security and criminal threats," Commander Bellis said.
"Protecting our airports cannot be tackled by one agency alone - working together and sharing knowledge with our public and private partners is crucial and remains a high personal priority.
"Australia's airports are busier than ever, with passenger numbers at AFP-protected airports reaching 134 million in 2023-24 financial year, and we only expect numbers to continue increasing.
"While not every incident leads to criminal charges, we thank the public for their reports as they keep our airports safe."
Commander Bellis took on the new role as head of aviation in July 2024 and oversees security at nine AFP-led airports across the country. Western Sydney Airport will be the tenth airport when it opens in early 2026.
Since 1 July, 2024, the AFP has responded to 15,697 incidents at AFP designated airports.
The AFP is responsible for security at nine designated airports - the Gold Coast, Cairns, Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane, Darwin, Perth, and Adelaide.
The AFP polices and provides uniformed and specialist protection at these international gateways to ensure Australia's aviation infrastructure remains safe and secure from hostile activities.
Airport Watch plays an important role within aviation security. It delivers critical information to the AFP to enhance the detection and resolution of suspicious or criminal activity at airports.
The AFP encourages the public to call Airport Watch on 131 237 if they see or hear something unusual while travelling through Australia's major airports.
Suspicious activity or unusual behaviour includes:
A person observed displaying an unusually keen interest in security procedures;
A person observed recording or taking photos in or around sensitive areas of the airport;
Anyone acting strangely or in an unusual manner;
Anyone heard asking questions to gain information about the airport; and
Anyone trying to gain unauthorised access to secure areas.
The AFP is currently recruiting police and protective service officers for Western Sydney Airport and our Sydney Headquarters. With opportunities across investigations, forensics, aviation, intelligence and more, the AFP has a role for you.
*An incident is any request for AFP assistance at major Australian airports.
