A Queensland woman is scheduled to appear in Perth Magistrates Court today (1 September, 2025) charged over alleged disruptive behaviour on a domestic flight.
AFP officers responded to a request for assistance from airline staff at Perth Airport about an incident on a flight arriving from Brisbane on 11 August, 2025.
The woman, 31, had allegedly argued with cabin crew after they refused to serve her alcohol. She also allegedly ignored instructions to return to her seat as the flight started its descent.
The AFP met the woman at the arrivals gate, where she was allegedly argumentative and aggressive towards officers.
The woman was charged via summons to appear in court today with:
- One count of failing to comply with safety instructions by cabin crew, contrary to regulation 91.580 of Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (Cth); and
- One count of behaving in an offensive and disorderly manner, contrary to regulation 91.525 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (Cth).
The maximum penalty for each offence is a $16,500 fine.
AFP Inspector Peter Brindal said airline staff and passengers deserved to feel safe on planes and not be subjected to anti-social behaviour.
"Disruptive behaviour on a flight can pose a direct threat to the safety of the aircraft, and also inconvenience passengers onboard," Insp Brindal said.
"The AFP works closely with the airline industry to intervene if anyone's behaviour interferes with the safety of workers or the public in or around an airport, or on flights."
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!
