A Coomealla man is expected to appear at Wentworth Local Court today (8 April, 2025) charged over alleged aggressive and antisocial behaviour that resulted in the cancellation of a domestic flight out of Sydney Airport.
The man, 32, was seated on an aircraft preparing to fly to Mildura, Victoria, on 11 March, 2025, when he allegedly began verbally abusing and intimidating an airline crew member.
The plane, which had taxied to the end of a runway, returned to an airport terminal due to safety concerns.
AFP officers forcibly escorted the man from the plane and the flight was cancelled because of the delays.
The man was taken to hospital under police guard for a mental health assessment. After the assessment, he was charged with:
One count of threaten aircraft crew, contrary to subsection 20A of the Crimes (Aviation) Act 1991 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 10 years' imprisonment;
One count of obstruct Commonwealth officials, contrary to section 149.1 of the Criminal Code (Cth). This offence carries a maximum penalty of two years' imprisonment; and
One count of offensive or disorderly behaviour on an aircraft, contrary to section 91.525 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is a $13,750 fine.
AFP Sydney Airport Commander Davina Copelin said the AFP had zero tolerance for those who engaged in disruptive or criminal behaviour on board aircraft.
"The safety and wellbeing of all travellers and workers is paramount," Sydney Airport Commander Copelin said.
"The AFP will take action against members of the public whose behaviour risks the safety of fellow passengers or airline staff."
