A Gold Coast man is expected to appear before Southport Magistrates Court today (19 May, 2025) charged with an act of indecency on a domestic flight.
The AFP responded to the alleged incident on 4 February, 2025, after an evening flight from Sydney landed at Gold Coast Airport.
The AFP alleges that while on the flight, the man, 41, placed his hand on the inner thigh of a female passenger on numerous occasions, and stuck his hands in their food.
Police arrested the man when the flight arrived at Gold Coast Airport and charged him with one count of an act of indecency, contrary to section 60 of the Crimes Act 1900 (ACT). This offence carries a maximum penalty of seven years' imprisonment.
AFP Detective Superintendent Scott Moller said all travellers had the right to feel safe during their journey and should not be subjected to criminal behaviour.
"When travelling through an airport and on a plane, people are bound by Australian law and, where there is evidence someone has committed a criminal offence, the AFP will take action," Det Supt Moller said.
"This incident should serve as a reminder to the community that authorities will not tolerate indecent behaviour at our airports or on aircraft."
If you need a police presence at an airport, or want to report an incident or provide information, call the AFP's Airport Watch on 131 AFP (131 237).
