A Queanbeyan man is expected to appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court today (5 September, 2025) for allegedly making aggressive and sexual comments, and threatening violence on a domestic flight.
Police will allege the man, 38, made the inappropriate comments and threatened other passengers and cabin crew members while on a Canberra to Brisbane flight on 30 July, 2025.
When the pilot began descending into Brisbane, the man allegedly unfastened his seatbelt and stood up despite cabin crew instructing him to remain in his seat.
The airline called the AFP for assistance and when the plane landed, AFP members escorted the man off the aircraft and conveyed him to the Brisbane watchhouse. He underwent a breath analysis and recorded a reading of 0.223.
The man was charged with:
One count of offensive or disorderly behaviour on an aircraft, contrary to section 91.525 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (Cth) and;
One count of passengers - compliance with safety instructions by cabin crew, contrary to section 91.580 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (Cth).
Both offences have a maximum penalty of a $16,500 fine.
AFP Detective Superintendent Anthony Conway said being subjected to aggressive or anti-social behaviour was often frightening but particularly so when people were confined in a plane in the air.
"The AFP has zero tolerance for anyone behaving like this," Det Supt Conway said.
"Threatening other people and disobeying cabin crew instructions are serious offences with very real consequences. Anyone breaking the law on a flight, or in an airport, will be dealt with swiftly and brought before the courts."
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!
