A West Australian man who allegedly disrupted a flight from New Zealand is expected to appear in Perth Magistrates Court today (1 May, 2026) charged with offensive and disorderly behaviour and Civil Aviation Regulation offences.
The AFP responded to a request for assistance from an airline on 26 March, 2026, regarding a man, 58, who allegedly disrupted the flight from Auckland after he was refused alcohol service. It will be alleged he touched other passengers and ignored cabin crew instructions.
The AFP attended and cautioned the man upon his arrival in Perth, before he allegedly became verbally abusive.
The man was charged with:
One count of being a passenger on an aircraft who consumed alcohol where a crew member had not provided it to the passenger, contrary to regulation 91.780 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is a $15,650 fine;
One count of behaving in an offensive or disorderly manner and endangering the safety of the aircraft or persons on the aircraft, contrary to regulation 91.525 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is a $15,650 fine;
One count of being a passenger on an aircraft who did not comply with the direction of flight crew, contrary to regulation 91.575 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is a $15,650 fine; and
One count of behaving in a disorderly manner in a public place, contrary to section 74A of the Criminal Code (WA). The maximum penalty for this offence is a $6000 fine.
AFP Acting Superintendent Peter Brindal said the AFP was committed to ensuring the safety of passengers and cabin crew on flights, along with the broader public and workers at Perth Airport.
"Disruptive, abusive or disorderly behaviour on aircraft will not be tolerated, and no passengers or cabin staff should be subjected to anti-social behaviour," a/Supt Brindal said.
"The AFP works closely with airline partners and airport authorities to respond to incidents when they occur, and takes appropriate action where behaviour breaches the law."
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!
