A Victorian man is scheduled to appear in Broadmeadows Magistrates Court today (3 August, 2026) charged with assaulting a passenger and cabin crew member on an international flight from Phuket to Melbourne.
The man, 21, was charged on 1 April, 2026, after the AFP responded to a request for assistance from airline staff.
The AFP will allege the man assaulted a female crew member when he grabbed her shoulders and shook her after she had refused his request to hug her.
The man then allegedly walked to the rear of the plane and assaulted a male passenger, who had exited a toilet cubicle, by punching him several times in the face.
Cabin crew then restrained the man, and the incident was reported to the flight captain, who requested the AFP attend the arrivals gate.
AFP officers removed the man from the plane and he was charged with:
- One count of assaulting crew of an aircraft, contrary to section 20A of the Crimes (Aviation) Act 1991 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 10 years' imprisonment; and
- One count of common assault, contrary to section 26 of the Crimes Act 1900 (ACT). The maximum penalty for this offence is two years' imprisonment.
AFP Superintendent Stephen Cook said passengers and airline crew members were entitled to enjoy a safe journey on board an aircraft, 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 passengers or cabin crew, and anyone who commits such an offence can expect to be prosecuted," Supt Cook said.
"The AFP maintains a strong presence at Australia's major airports for this very reason."
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!
