A Victorian woman has been charged for allegedly assaulting airline staff at Gold Coast Airport while on board a Melbourne-bound flight.
The woman, 23, was arrested on New Years Eve (Sunday, 31 December, 2023) after airline staff notified the AFP of a passenger that was allegedly verbally abusive on board the aircraft.
AFP officers boarded the plane and spoke to the woman. The woman was then escorted off the plane and arrested.
The woman was charged with assault, threaten with violence or intimidate a person, a member of the aircraft crew, contrary to subsection 20A(1) of the Crimes (Aviation) Act 1991.
The maximum penalty for this offence is 10 years’ imprisonment.
AFP Superintendent Josh Kinghorn said there was zero tolerance for violent or abusive behaviour anywhere in the airport or on a plane.
“Other passengers and crew should not be subjected to bad behaviour, it can be quite frightening to be in an enclosed space with someone who is abusive or aggressive,” Supt Kinghorn said.
“These incidents can also cause delays for other travellers and staff. The AFP works closely with the airline industry to intervene if anyone’s behaviour interferes with the safe operation of a flight.”
The woman is due to face Coolangatta Magistrates Court on 25 March, 2024.
If you require a police presence at an airport, or wish to report an incident or provide information, please call the AFP’s Airport Watch on 131 AFP (131 237).
