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Travellers need to stay on the straight and sober while onboard aircraft or risk two years jail or hefty fine, Australian Federal Police (AFP) say.
The warning comes after a couple accused of drunken behaviour on a domestic flight appeared in Downing Centre Local Court in Sydney today (January 6).
AFP Sergeant Luke Stockwell said they had responded to more than 400 incidents involving drunken behaviour at major airports around the country last year.
“We urge travellers to be mindful of their behaviour at airports these summer holidays – you don’t want to start the new year with a significant fine or worse, behind bars,” Sgt Stockwell said.
“Bad behaviour at airports is not only disrespectful to other travellers, airport workers and airline staff, but it’s a safety risk and usually leads to more serious offences,” he said.
“The AFP is increasing patrols at all major airports during the holidays and will not tolerate dangerous, disruptive or abusive behaviour from travellers.”
TWO CHARGED
The AFP said that officers responded to a call for help from airline staff onboard a flight from Hobart to Sydney on Sunday, December 29, 2024.
AFP say a man, 45, and woman, 53, were drunk and had been drinking alcohol that they had brought with them onto the flight.
The woman was also accused of grabbing and shaking another passenger while exiting the aircraft toilet.
AFP officers escorted them off the flight and later charged them for disregarding cabin crew and drinking non-supplied alcohol. The maximum penalty is a $13,750 fine.
The woman was also charged with one count of assault for which the maximum penalty is two years’ jail.
If you require a police presence at an airport, wish to report an incident or provide information, you can call the AFP’s Airport Watch on 131 AFP (131 237).
