An Indian national is expected to appear in Darwin Magistrates Court today (8 January, 2025) charged over alleged disruptive behaviour that caused an international flight to be diverted.
The AFP at Darwin Airport was contacted yesterday morning (7 January, 2025) by an airline requesting police attend the arrival of a flight from Bangalore, after a man, 46, had allegedly been shouting, spitting on the floor and refusing to follow directions from airline crew.
The man was restrained by crew members because of his alleged behaviour.
Police met the flight on arrival at Darwin Airport and removed the man from the aircraft, before it was able to continue its journey to Sydney. The flight was delayed by about two hours.
AFP officers spoke to multiple crew members and the man before charging him with one count of offensive or disorderly behaviour on an aircraft resulting in the endangerment of the safety of an aircraft, contrary to regulation 91.525(1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (Cth). The maximum penalty for the offence is $16,500.
AFP Acting Inspector Simon Henderson said anti-social behaviour onboard an aircraft was disrespectful and could be dangerous.
"When flight crew have to respond to anti-social behaviour on an aircraft it takes them away from their regular duties, which includes ensuring the safety of the aircraft and the public onboard," a/Insp Henderson said.
"It's also incredibly distressing and disruptive to other travellers to be trapped in a confined space with someone behaving badly.
"The AFP works closely with the airline industry and other partners to protect the travelling public and takes a zero-tolerance approach to illegal behaviour."
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).
