A Mackay man is expected to appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court today (26 June, 2025) charged with allegedly assaulting an airline employee at Brisbane Airport.
The man, 36, was charged on 15 May, 2025, after the AFP received a request for assistance at Brisbane Airport.
Airline staff, airport security personnel and a member of the public had restrained the man, who was wearing a scooter helmet, after he allegedly pushed an airline employee to the ground.
It is alleged he pushed the female employee to the ground after he was refused entry onto his connecting flight to Mackay due to disruptive behaviour on his previous flight from Sydney.
He has been charged with:
- One count of assault, contrary to section 355 of the Criminal Code (QLD); and
- One count of public nuisance, contrary to section 6(1) of the Summary Offences Act 2005 (QLD).
If convicted, the maximum penalty he faces is three years' imprisonment for the assault charge.
AFP Detective Superintendent Anthony Conway said the AFP had zero tolerance for disruptive and violent behaviour at Australian airports.
"Everyone deserves to feel safe in their workplace, including airline staff, who shouldn't be subjected to violence and aggression from passengers," Det-Supt Conway said.
"The AFP works closely with the airline industry to intervene if anyone's behaviour interferes with the safety of the public in or around an airport, or on flights.
"We thank the officers who responded swiftly to the incident and the bystanders who intervened."
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!
