A foreign national will face the Perth Magistrates Court today (27 August, 2024) charged over an alleged assault on a flight from Sydney to Perth.
The AFP will allege the man, 28, assaulted another passenger known to him, causing injuries to his face, after they became engaged in a verbal argument on the flight on Monday evening (26 August).
Police officers at Perth Airport met the flight when it landed after responding to a request from the airline.
After speaking to both men and other witnesses, the AFP charged the man with one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, contrary to section 24(1) of the Crimes Act 1900 (ACT).
This offence carries a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment.
Detective Acting Superintendent Peter Brindal said there was zero tolerance for violent or abusive behaviour anywhere in the airport or on a plane.
"Other passengers and crew should not be subjected to bad behaviour, it can be quite frightening to be in an enclosed space with someone who is abusive or aggressive," Detective Acting Superintendent Brindal said.
"The AFP works closely with the airline industry to intervene if anyone's behaviour interferes with the safe operation of a flight."
