A Notting Hill man is expected to face Melbourne Magistrates' Court today (20 February, 2026) charged with trespassing, after allegedly boarding a domestic flight without a ticket at Melbourne Airport.
The AFP responded to a call for assistance at the airport last week (15 February, 2026) after the man, 22, allegedly entered a restricted airside area at a boarding gate, without a boarding pass, and proceeded along the tarmac to the boarding aircraft.
Airline staff stopped the man at the aircraft before calling the AFP for assistance.
The AFP attended and arrested the man at the scene.
The man has been charged with the following offences:
One count of trespassing on Commonwealth Land, contrary to section 89(1) of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth). This offence carries a maximum penalty of $3130; and
One count of entering an airside area or airside security zone of a security-controlled airport without permission, contrary to subsection 3.17(2) of the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005 (Cth). This offence carries a maximum penalty of $15,650.
AFP Acting Superintendent Stephen Parris said dangerous behaviour at airports would not be tolerated by the AFP.
"If you trespass on Commonwealth land or enter an airside security zone without authorisation, you will face prosecution," a/ Supt Parris said.
"This is a serious offence which can pose significant threats to our national security, and the AFP has zero tolerance for this behaviour."
The AFP provides aviation security at nine major airports in Australia.
Anyone who sees suspicious behaviour at an Australian airport can call Airport Watch on 131 237.
