A Cairns man is expected to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court today (20 January, 2025) charged with allegedly causing a disturbance that resulted in a Brisbane to Perth flight being turned around for safety reasons.
The AFP responded to a request for assistance from airline staff after the man, 38, allegedly behaved aggressively towards fellow passengers on a domestic flight on 10 December, 2024.
Police will allege the man was intoxicated and touched other passengers without consent and twice banged on the walls while in the airplane toilet. The captain returned the flight to Brisbane Airport as a safety precaution.
AFP officers at Brisbane Airport escorted the man off the plane and charged him with one count of behaving in an offensive and disorderly manner, contrary to regulation 91.525 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (Cth).
The offence carries a maximum fine of $8065.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Natalie Scott said the flight was delayed for about two hours.
"Bad behaviour on planes or in terminals is not only disrespectful to passengers and airline staff, it can pose safety risks," Det a/Supt Scott said.
"Delays can also lead to passengers missing connecting flights and keeping friends and family waiting at the airport."
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).
