A West Australian man has been ordered to pay more than $8630 in fuel costs and fined $9000 by Perth Magistrates Court following an incident on a flight last year.
The AFP responded to a request for assistance from airline staff on board a flight from Perth to Sydney on 25 September, 2023.
The man's behaviour caused the flight to return to Perth, which required the pilot to dump fuel before landing, as well as the cancellation of the flight.
The man was arrested and charged with:
- One count of disorderly behaviour on an aircraft, contrary to section 91.525 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (Cth)); and
- One count of failure to comply with safety instruction, contrary to section 91.580 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (Cth).
On 5 September, 2024, the man, 33, pleaded guilty to both offences.
He was fined $9000 and was ordered to pay more than $8630 in reparation costs to the airline to cover the cost of fuel from the flight.
AFP Acting Superintendent Shona Davis said individuals who cause disturbances on flights could expect to be held to account for their illegal actions.
"This incident should serve as a warning that criminal behaviour on board can come at a heavy cost to the offender," Acting Superintendent Davis said.
"It's far simpler to obey the directions of airline staff than cause unnecessary issues, which can end up hitting you in the hip pocket.
"The AFP is committed to ensuring all travellers have a safe journey from their departure through to their arrival at their destination."
