A West Australian man is expected to appear before Perth Magistrates Court today (26 July, 2024) charged with allegedly assaulting a member of the aircraft crew and endangering the safety of a flight bound for Melbourne.
The man, 32, was arrested at Perth domestic airport on 27 May 2024 after airline staff notified the AFP of a passenger who had removed their clothing on the aircraft and allegedly assaulted a member of the crew on the aircraft.
The man was restrained by members of the crew and the flight returned to Perth Airport.
AFP officers boarded the plane and spoke to the 32-year-old. The man was then escorted off the plane and arrested before being taken for a mental health assessment.
The man was charged via summons with:
- One count of assault, threaten with violence or intimidate a person, a member of the aircraft crew, contrary to subsection 20A(1) of the Crimes (Aviation) Act 1991 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 10 years' imprisonment.
- One count of offensive/disorderly behaviour on an aircraft, contrary to section 91.525(1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is a $15,600 fine.
AFP Perth Airport Police Commander Peter Hatch said the AFP had zero tolerance for disruptive or criminal behaviour on board aircraft or and within airports.
"The safety and wellbeing of all travellers and workers is paramount," Supt Hatch said.
"Particularly when people are confined during a flight, they expect to feel safe and not be subjected to aggressive or violent behaviour.
"These incidents can also cause delays for other travellers and staff. The AFP works closely with the airline industry to intervene if anyone's behaviour interferes with the safe operation of a flight."
