A West Australian woman is expected to appear before Perth Magistrates Court today (7 March, 2025) as one of two people charged in 24 hours over alleged disorderly behaviour at Perth Airport.
The AFP was called to a gate inside a domestic terminal yesterday (6 March, 2025) after a passenger allegedly became disruptive while waiting to board a flight to Geraldton, where she lives.
Police will allege that on multiple occasions the woman walked past a prohibited area where boarding passes are scanned, despite repeated warnings from airline staff.
AFP officers met airline staff at the gate and advised the woman, 37, of the airline's decision to deny her boarding, at which point she allegedly became verbally aggressive towards the officers.
The woman was charged with one count of disorderly behaviour in a public place, contrary to section 74A(2)(a) of the Criminal Code (WA).
This offence carries a maximum penalty of a fine of $6000.
It comes after a WA man was found guilty of the same offence and fined $600 in the Perth Magistrates Court yesterday (6 March, 2025), over an incident at Perth Airport the previous day.
On 5 March, 2025, airport security staff observed the man, 39, urinating at a baggage trolley storage area outside the international Terminal 1.
When AFP officers spoke to the man, he became verbally aggressive and moved towards them in a threatening manner. During his arrest an AFP officer received a minor arm injury, which later required medical treatment.
AFP Acting Superintendent Aviation Shona Davis said passengers, visitors, staff and law enforcement expected to feel safe at Australian airports.
"The AFP has zero tolerance for antisocial, violent or disruptive behaviour at our airport precincts, and we will take action against those who offend," a/Supt Davis said.
"While our members acknowledge there is a certain element of risk to their role, the AFP will not tolerate any harm caused to members while performing their duties to keep travellers, airline and airport staff safe.
"Disruptive people will be dealt with swiftly and without prejudice."
The AFP encourages the public to call Airport Watch on 131 237 if they see or hear something unusual while travelling through Australia's major airports.
