A Queanbeyan man is expected to appear in Perth Magistrates Court today (24 April, 2026) charged over alleged disorderly and aggressive behaviour that led to his mid-flight restraint when travelling from Canberra to Perth.
The man, 45, allegedly behaved in a disorderly manner by shouting, swearing and ignoring safety instructions from airline crew during the flight on 16 April, 2026.
Police will also allege he kicked and pushed the seat in front of him occupied by a female passenger and then became aggressive towards her after she asked him to stop.
Cabin crew informed the flight captain of the man's behaviour and received authority to restrain the man.
The man allegedly kicked at the cabin manager during attempts to restrain him and attempted to bite the arm of another passenger assisting with the restraint.
AFP members boarded the plane upon its arrival to Perth and removed the man.
After interviewing crew members and passengers, the AFP charged the man with:
- One count of assault on aircraft crew member, contrary to section 318A of the Criminal Code (WA), which carries a maximum penalty of 14 years' imprisonment;
- One count of failed to comply with a safety instruction given by a cabin crew member, contrary to section 91.580(2) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (Cth), which carries a maximum penalty of a $16,500 fine; and
- One count of offensive or disorderly behaviour on an aircraft, contrary to section 91.525(1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (Cth), which carries a maximum penalty of a $16,500 fine.
He first appeared in the Perth Magistrates Court on 17 April, 2026.
AFP Acting Superintendent Peter Brindal said antisocial or aggressive behaviour risked the safety of other people and could be particularly concerning in the confines of a plane during a flight.
"Being in the air does not give anyone a free pass from the law and consequences on the ground," a/Supt Brindal said.
"The AFP works closely with airlines to ensure the safe travel of people across Australia and will put people before the courts if they are accused of breaking 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!
