An Indian national is set to face the Darwin Magistrates Court today (8 January 2025) following allegations of disruptive behaviour that forced an international flight to divert.
AFP Acting Inspector Simon Henderson condemned the incident, highlighting the risks posed by anti-social behaviour on flights.
“When flight crew have to respond to anti-social behaviour on an aircraft, it takes them away from their regular duties, which include ensuring the safety of the aircraft and the public onboard.”
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) at Darwin Airport were alerted yesterday morning (7 January 2025) by an airline requesting police intervention upon the arrival of a flight from Bangalore. The airline reported a 46-year-old man allegedly shouting, spitting on the floor, and refusing to comply with crew instructions during the flight.
Cabin crew were forced to restrain the man due to his behaviour. The flight, which was en route to Sydney, made an unscheduled stop in Darwin, delaying its journey by approximately two hours.
Acting Inspector Henderson added:
“It’s also incredibly distressing and disruptive for other travellers to be trapped in a confined space with someone behaving badly. The AFP works closely with the airline industry and other partners to protect the travelling public and takes a zero-tolerance approach to illegal behaviour.”
Upon landing, police removed the man from the aircraft and conducted interviews with crew members and passengers. He was charged with one count of offensive or disorderly behaviour on an aircraft that endangered its safety, a breach of regulation 91.525(1) under the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations. The offence carries a maximum penalty of $16,500.
The flight was able to continue to Sydney following the man’s removal.
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