The Australian Federal Police (AFP) responded to more than 4200 incidents at major airports nationwide during the busy holiday period, leading to 93 people being charged with 132 criminal offences.
Between 1 December 2024 and 31 January 2025, AFP officers were called to 4205 incidents across the country’s major airports. Almost half of the charges related to offences against people or property, including a 34-year-old woman at Perth Airport who allegedly assaulted two AFP officers, leaving one hospitalised with facial and neck injuries.
Other charges involved breaches of security zones and the presence of unattended or prohibited items.
AFP Aviation Commander Craig Bellis reaffirmed the agency’s zero-tolerance approach to antisocial, violent, or dangerous behaviour at airports and on flights.
“Travelling through our airports should be a safe experience, which is why the AFP and its government and industry partners work closely to prevent, disrupt, and respond to security and criminal threats,” he said.
Bellis, who took on the role in July 2024, oversees security at nine AFP-led airports across the country. Western Sydney Airport will become the tenth when it opens in early 2026.
With passenger numbers at AFP-protected airports reaching 134 million in 2023-24, authorities anticipate an even busier travel season ahead. The AFP has already responded to 15,697 incidents at designated airports since 1 July 2024.
The AFP is responsible for security at nine major airports, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide, providing uniformed and specialist protection to safeguard Australia’s aviation infrastructure from threats.
Passengers are encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to Airport Watch on 131 237. Warning signs include individuals displaying excessive interest in security procedures, taking photos in sensitive areas, acting unusually, or attempting to access restricted zones.
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