A 22-year-old Notting Hill man is set to face the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today, accused of trespassing after allegedly boarding a domestic flight at Melbourne Airport without a ticket.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) were called to the airport on 15 February 2026 following reports that the man had entered a restricted airside area at a boarding gate without a valid boarding pass.

It is alleged he then made his way across the tarmac towards a waiting aircraft preparing for departure.

AFP Acting Superintendent Stephen Parris said authorities would take a firm stance against unauthorised access to restricted airport areas.

“If you trespass on Commonwealth land or enter an airside security zone without authorisation, you will face prosecution,” he said.

“This is a serious offence which can pose significant threats to our national security, and the AFP has zero tolerance for this behaviour.”

Airline staff intercepted the man at the aircraft before contacting the AFP, who attended the scene and arrested him.

Police have charged the man with one count of trespassing on Commonwealth land under section 89(1) of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth), which carries a maximum penalty of $3,130.

The man has also been charged with entering an airside area or airside security zone of a security-controlled airport without permission, contrary to subsection 3.17(2) of the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005 (Cth), an offence punishable by a maximum fine of $15,650.

Support our Journalism

No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.