Two taxi drivers faced court yesterday after an alleged violent altercation at Sydney Airport left one man unconscious and another hospitalised.
The two NSW men, aged 30 and 48, have both been charged with affray following the incident in the Sydney Domestic Airport taxi holding bay.
AFP Detective Superintendent Davina Copelin said violence at major transport hubs placed the public at risk.
“Airports are high-traffic environments relied upon by thousands of people every day. Antisocial behaviour can quickly escalate and result in serious harm,” she said.
“The AFP will continue to work with airport partners and the transport industry to ensure the safety of passengers, workers and service providers.”
The AFP will allege the altercation began after a traffic incident escalated into a physical confrontation between the pair.
Police were called to the holding bay where officers found the 30-year-old man unresponsive. He was treated at the scene before being taken by ambulance to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
A second man, aged 48, was later located by officers and allegedly told police the traffic dispute had turned physical. He complained of chest pains and was taken to Prince of Wales Hospital.
Investigators reviewed witness statements and footage of the incident, which had reportedly been circulating among taxi drivers gathered at the airport holding bay. Both men were issued court attendance notices and charged with affray under NSW law.
Meanwhile, Orange Taxis issued a statement distancing itself from a separate altercation involving taxi drivers at Orange Regional Airport, saying the drivers involved were not associated with the company.
The company said the individuals involved were part of a competing network, identified as 13CABS.
“Orange Taxis has proudly supported the Orange community with professional, safe, and reliable transport services for more than 70 years,” the company said.
“The conduct displayed in this incident does not reflect the standards, values, or expectations we hold for our drivers.”
Orange Taxis said it would cooperate fully with the NSW Police Force and the NSW Point to Point Transport Commission and called for “rogue operators and drivers” damaging the reputation of the taxi industry to be held accountable.
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