A German national appeared before Melbourne Magistrates' Court today (19 February, 2025) charged over an alleged assault onboard a Melbourne-bound flight.
Police allege the man, 38, was asleep on the flight from Singapore when he was awoken by cabin crew staff.
It is alleged he then pushed a female cabin crew member in the chest.
AFP officers at Melbourne Airport were advised of the incident and took the man into custody shortly after the flight's arrival this morning (19 February, 2025).
The man has been charged with one count of assaulting crew onboard an aircraft, contrary to section 20A of the Crimes Aviation Act 1991 (Cth).
The maximum penalty for this offence is 10 years' imprisonment.
AFP Detective Acting Inspector Emily Nicholson said disruptive and violent conduct on flights into Australia would not be tolerated.
"Cabin crew members on flights are simply trying to go about their work day, and they don't need, and don't deserve, to be subjected to violence, as has been alleged in this incident," Det a/Insp Nicholson said.
"We understand this man was merely transiting through Melbourne on his way to New Zealand, with those travel plans now ruined.
"The AFP has a presence at nine airports across the country, and we will continue to support airline staff and passengers by responding to incidents such as this, and by putting alleged offenders before the courts."
