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Perth catering worker fined after sneaking family onto international flight

The woman used her ASIC to access multiple secure zones and enter the international departures hall.

A 39-year-old catering employee has been fined $1,000 for using her airport security identification card (ASIC) to breach secure areas at Perth Airport and unlawfully help her family board a Singapore-bound flight.

AFP Superintendent Peter Hatch said the case highlighted the importance of maintaining strict airport protocols.

“Airport employees are entrusted with privileged access to certain secure areas, and anyone caught exploiting that trust for personal reasons can face prosecution,” Supt Hatch said.

“The AFP and its partners enforce strict protocols at the airport to keep all staff, travellers, and visitors safe.”

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The woman, from Alexander Heights, was sentenced in Perth Magistrates Court on Tuesday (13 May 2025) following an investigation by the Australian Federal Police (AFP).

The breach occurred on 18 February 2025, when the woman—who was not rostered to work—dropped her family off at the airport. She then used her ASIC to access multiple secure zones and enter the international departures hall.

Posing as a staff member, she showed her ASIC to airline personnel, boarded the plane with her family, and helped them find their seats. She was intercepted by airport staff as she exited the aircraft, and the AFP was alerted.

Her security privileges were suspended the same day. She later pleaded guilty to unlawfully entering a secure area, contrary to aviation security regulations.

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