CANBERRA, ACT, Sept. 22 -- Australian Federal Police issued the following media release:

A West Australian man faced Perth Magistrates Court today (22 September, 2026) after being charged with several offences including allegedly endangering fellow passengers and disorderly behaviour while on board a Perth-bound flight.

AFP officers at Perth Airport responded to an airline request for assistance and met a flight as it arrived from Karratha yesterday (21 September, 2026).

Police will allege the man, 41, verbally abused a fellow passenger on the flight before he pushed and kicked the seat in front of him. When cabin crew approached and attempted to intervene, he allegedly abused them.

It will be further alleged the man ignored directions from cabin crew to fasten his seatbelt in preparation for landing and attempted to open the forward passenger door while the aircraft was in flight.

AFP officers subsequently escorted the man from the plane upon its arrival to Perth Airport. The man then allegedly became aggressive towards officers and failed to comply with police directions, resulting in officers restraining the man.

The man was charged with:

*One count of causing harm to a Commonwealth public official, contrary to section 147.1 of the Criminal Code (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 13 years' imprisonment;

*One count of an act endangering the safety of an aircraft, contrary to section 22 of the Crimes (Aviation) Act 1991 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 10 years' imprisonment;

*One count of not complying with crew instructions, contrary to regulation 91.580 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is a $18,200 fine; and

*One count of disorderly behaviour, contrary to section 74A of the Criminal Code Act Compilation Act 1913 (WA). The maximum penalty for this offence is a $6,000 fine.

The man was granted bail at court and is next due in Perth Magistrates Court on 27 November, 2026.

AFP acting Superintendent Hayly Faithfull said the AFP and its partners were committed to ensuring the safety of the travelling public and maintaining aviation security.

"There is no place for violence or disorderly behaviour on our planes or in our airports. Passengers, cabin crew, airline staff and our officers should not be subjected to anti-social behaviour," a/Supt Faithfull said.

"The AFP is committed to working closely with airline partners and airport authorities to respond to incidents when they occur, and to take appropriate action where behaviour may be considered to be in breach of the law."

Stop and think. A safe journey starts with you.

Every piece of information you provide could be the key to identifying and preventing a threat at our airports. That's why 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.