A Queensland man is scheduled to appear before the Perth Magistrates Court today (29 July, 2025) charged with the alleged assault of an airline crew member at Perth Airport.
The man, 59, was charged after the AFP responded to a request for assistance on 14 July, 2025.
The AFP will allege the man refused a crew member's instruction to take his seat as a flight to Brisbane was preparing for departure, because he wanted to use the bathroom.
The man then allegedly pushed the crew member, and the incident was reported to the flight captain, who requested the AFP attend the gate and remove the man from the plane.
AFP officers removed the man - who was allegedly uncooperative with police - from the plane and he was charged with one count of assaulting a crew member, contrary to section 318A of the Criminal Code (WA). The maximum penalty for this offence is 14 years' imprisonment.
AFP Inspector Peter Brindal said airline crew members worked to ensure a safe journey for all travellers and any aggressive or violent behaviour towards them was unacceptable.
"The AFP has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to the assault or mistreatment of airline staff, and anyone who commits such an offence can be prosecuted," Insp Brindal said.
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!
