An Australian Capital Territory woman is scheduled to appear in Perth Magistrates Court today (23 January, 2026) over the alleged assault of cabin crew on a domestic flight.
The AFP responded to a request for assistance from airline staff after an incident on a flight from Canberra to Perth on 13 December, 2025.
It will be alleged the woman, 52, behaved erratically towards another passenger as the plane prepared for take-off. When a crew member checked on her welfare, the woman allegedly forcibly grabbed the arm and head of crew member, causing minor injuries.
AFP officers boarded the plane when it arrived at Perth Airport and escorted the woman off the flight, after which she was allegedly argumentative and aggressive towards officers.
The woman first appeared in court on 14 December, 2025, charged with:
One count of assaulting crew of an aircraft, contrary to section 20A of the Crimes (Aviation) Act 1991 (Cth); and
One count of behaving in an offensive and disorderly manner on an aircraft, contrary to regulation 91.525 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (Cth).
The maximum penalty for each offence is a $16,500 fine.
AFP Acting Superintendent Hayley Faithfull said airline staff and passengers deserved to feel safe on planes and not be subjected to anti-social behaviour.
"Any kind of aggressive or anti-social behaviour on a flight can pose a direct threat to the safety of the aircraft, and inconvenience passengers onboard," a/Supt Faithfull said.
"The AFP works closely with our airline partners to intervene if someone's behaviour interferes with the safety of workers or the public on flights using major Australian airports."
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!
