CANBERRA, ACT, March 25 -- Australian Federal Police issued the following media release:
A South Australian man who allegedlydisrupted a flightfromSydney Airport isexpectedto appear inDowning Centre Local Court today (25March,2026) charged with offensive and disorderly behaviour.
The man, 23, came to police attentionon 3February,2026,after hiscarry-onbag was x-rayed andallegedlyfound tocontaincat-shaped knuckle dusters.
The AFP removed theitem,and the man was served a court attendance notice tofacethe charge ofpossessinga prohibited weapon without a permit, contrary to section 7(1) of theWeapons Prohibition Act 1998(NSW).
AFPassistancewas later requested by an airline after the man, who had boarded a flight to Adelaide,allegedly disrupted apre-flightsafety briefing by yelling, swearing and verbally abusing cabin crew and other passengers.
The man allegedly refused to follow cabin crew instructions and continued to interrupt the safety briefing.
The AFPboarded theaircraftand escorted the man off the flight.
The man was charged with:
* One count of interference with crew whileinan aircraft, contrary to section 24(1)(b)(i) of theCivil Aviation Act 1988(Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is two years' imprisonment.* One count of offensive and disorderlybehaviouronaircraft, contrary to section 91.525 of theCivil Aviation Safety Regulations1998(Cth). The maximum penalty for this offenceisa$11,100 fine.* One count of failuretocomply withsafety instructions given by cabin crew, contrary to section 91.580 of theCivil Aviation Safety Regulations1998(Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence isa $16,500 fine.
AFPDetectiveActing Inspector James McMillansaid the AFP was committed to ensuring the safety of passengers, airlinestaffand the broader public at Sydney Airportand on flights.
"Disruptive, abusive or disorderly behaviour on aircraft will not be tolerated, and no passengers or aviation workers should be subjected to conduct that compromises their safety or wellbeing,"Deta/Insp McMillan said.
"The AFP works closely with airline partners and airport authorities to respond to incidents when they occur, and to take appropriate action where behaviour is alleged to breach the law."
Stop and think. A safe journey starts with you
Every piece of information you provide could be the key toidentifyingand preventing a threat at our airports.That'swhy the AFP is asking you to adopt the; "See it. Hear it. Report it." approach.
Behaviours to report include:
* Taking photos of security cameras, screening, or perimeter fencing* Avoiding screening* Leaving bags unattended* Loitering* Concealing identity* Exhibiting erratic behaviour
If you see it or hear it, report it to Airport Watch at 131 237 (131 AFP).
You can make a difference!
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
