The AFP say there will be no tolerance shown for dangerous behaviour at airports. Photo: AFP
Joke about blowing up a plane, abuse airline staff, attack strangers or try to open the door mid-flight — you will regret it.
That is the holiday message the Australian Federal Police wants travellers to know as they head to airports where they are the lead police agency — Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Darwin, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.
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The warning follows a recent increase in arrests at airports and onboard aircraft, including mid-air.
The AFP says 347 people with 408 offences have been charged this year (January 1 to April 9); in the 12 months to April 9, 1180 people were charged with 1442 criminal offences.
RECENT INCIDENTS
Recent incidents highlighted by the AFP include:
- A southwest Sydney man, 22, recently convicted and fined $10,000 for using social media to threaten an aircraft;
- a New Zealand national, 37, charged over an assault on an airline employee and two strangers at Sydney Airport on April 1;
- a man, 46, charged for allegedly trying to open an emergency exit door during an international flight into Sydney, and allegedly assaulting an airline employee, on April 5;
- a man, 37, charged with disorderly behaviour after he allegedly punched a wall with an open palm at Perth Airport on April 7;
- a foreign national, 67, charged with an alleged act of indecency on a passenger during a flight from Los Angeles to Sydney on April 7.
AFP Aviation Commander Craig Bellis says they have NO TOLERANCE for any type of antisocial or dangerous behaviour directed at anyone at airports or in aircraft.
“Higher traveller numbers and potentially longer waiting periods can lead to a spike in bad behaviour, triggered by impatience or intoxication, at our airports.
“Travellers should be aware bad behaviour can result in flight cancellations, airline bans, criminal convictions and hefty fines,” he says.
“So far in 2025, the AFP has responded to a mixed bag of incidents at major airports including violent attacks, threats to ‘blow up’ flights and individuals trying to open plane doors while soaring above the clouds”.
Com. Bellis says making a poor choice will ruin holidays.
“Your holiday destination will be much nicer than a police-holding cell. Be patient, be mindful of your alcohol intake and follow airline advice,” he says.
TRAVEL TIPS
- Save time by checking in online or via an airline’s app:
- check traffic conditions to the airport to allow time to check in luggage on time;
- pre-book if parking at an airport car park or use public transport, ride share or taxi to get to the airport;
- be aware of weight restrictions of check-in luggage and other potential restrictions;
- be patient and follow directions going through security screening;
- if travelling with children, consider packing extra food or activities to entertain them in case of delays.
