A New Zealand woman is set to appear before Downing Centre Local Court today (3 September, 2025) after she was removed from a flight for alleged intoxicated behaviour, including ignoring cabin crew instructions and dancing in the aisle while the plane was taxiing.
The woman, 50, was on a flight from Sydney to Queenstown in July, 2025, and was allegedly intoxicated, ignored safety instructions, swore at cabin crew and danced in the aisle when the pilot was taxiing for takeoff.
The pilot aborted takeoff, returned to the gate and requested AFP assistance to remove the woman from the aircraft.
The woman was asked to exit by AFP members and allegedly became argumentative and non-compliant.
She was removed from the aircraft by AFP members so the flight could depart, before she was released from police custody. The woman returned to New Zealand the following day.
The woman was given a Court Attendance Notice for the following offences:
Passenger not comply with cabin crew's safety instruction, contrary to s 91.580(3) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (Cth), which carries a maximum penalty of a $16,500 fine; and
Obstruct/hinder/intimidate/resist Commonwealth official, contrary to s 149.1(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth), which carries a maximum penalty of two years' imprisonment.
AFP Detective Acting Inspector Trevor Robinson said boarding a flight intoxicated and ignoring cabin crew instruction was inconsiderate and can also lead to serious repercussions.
"Anyone misbehaving under the influence of alcohol will be removed from their flight," Det a/Insp Robinson said.
"The alleged behaviour of this woman risked the safety of herself, passengers and crew, and in this case caused a delayed takeoff, which inconveniences everyone on board."
"Anyone misbehaving on a flight and not cooperating with law enforcement isn't just spoiling their trip, but they are potentially ruining the travel plans of hundreds of other people. They also face the possibility of a criminal conviction on their record for life."
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!
