A Victorian man is expected to face Brisbane Magistrates Court today (30 July, 2024) after he allegedly engaged in disorderly behaviour and obstructed AFP officers on an aircraft earlier this month.
AFP officers at Brisbane Airport arrested the man, 40, after responding to a request for assistance from airline staff on 16 July, 2024.
They boarded the Melbourne-bound aircraft and instructed the man to disembark but he allegedly became increasingly aggressive and refused to comply with police directions.
AFP officers were allegedly required to restrain the man to remove him from the aircraft. Officers suffered minor injuries as a result.
The man was subsequently charged with:
- One count of obstruct Commonwealth officials, contrary to section 149.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). This offence carries a maximum penalty of two years' imprisonment;
- One count of consume own liquor on aircraft, contrary to section 91.780 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is a $13,750 fine; and
- One count of offensive or disorderly behaviour on 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 Brisbane Airport Superintendent Mark Colbran said the AFP would not tolerate disorderly or violent behaviour on board aircrafts, and commended the officers for their swift action.
"The safety of passengers on aircraft and at airports is the utmost priority for our officers," Supt Colbran said.
"The AFP has a zero-tolerance policy for anyone who puts the safety of passengers, crew and officers at risk, and these charges should serve as a warning to travellers to follow the directions of police and airline staff.
"I'd like to thank the officers for their hard work and dedication in the face of challenging and potentially dangerous circumstances."
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).
