A Brisbane man was convicted and fined $1700 by the Downing Centre Local Court this week (15 July, 2025) for travelling on a domestic flight under a false name.
The man, 45, pleaded guilty on 10 June, 2025, to:
- One count of taking a constitutional flight with a ticket obtained with false identity information, contrary to section 376.4(2) of the Criminal Code (Cth); and
- One count of using false identification information at a constitutional airport, contrary to section 376.2 of the Criminal Code (Cth).
He came to police attention in January, 2025, when it was alleged he had made a reference to a bomb while speaking on his mobile phone after boarding a flight in Sydney, bound for Brisbane.
AFP officers in Sydney escorted him off the plane before discovering he was travelling under a fake name. He also travelled from Hobart to Sydney that day under the same name.
Further inquiries and a search of the aircraft determined there was no bomb, and the allegation could not be substantiated.
AFP Detective Acting Inspector Trevor Robinson said travelling under false names, intentionally or unintentionally, threatened aviation security.
"To ensure the safety of all passengers and crew on aircraft, it's critical we know who is actually onboard," Det a/Insp Robinson said.
"We have seen instances where people use fraudulent identities to evade law enforcement and travel interstate to facilitate criminal activity.
"The AFP will continue to work closely with airline partners to tackle any behaviour that interferes with aviation security."
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!
