A woman is expected to appear in Wollongong Local Court today (10 June, 2025), charged with four offences, including the alleged assault of an airline crew member during an international flight.
The dual Italian-Australian national, 64, allegedly consumed a bottle of her own wine on a flight from Noumea, New Caledonia, to Sydney on 3 June, 2025. When airline crew told the woman she could not consume her own alcohol, she allegedly became verbally abusive and disruptive.
After the woman allegedly refused instructions to sit down during the aircraft's descent, airline crew attempted to physically restrain her to a seat. The AFP will allege the woman kicked an airline crew member in the stomach and continued to engage in antisocial behaviour.
Airline staff requested AFP assistance to remove the woman from the aircraft on its arrival at Sydney Airport. Following a health assessment by paramedics, she was taken to a hospital in Randwick and discharged the next day.
On 4 June, 2025, the AFP charged the woman with:
- One count of assaulting a crew member of Division 3 aircraft, contrary to section 20A(1) of the Crimes (Aviation) Act 1991 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 10 years' imprisonment.
- One count of offensive and disorderly behaviour on an aircraft, contrary to section 91.525(4) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1988 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is a $16,500 fine.
- One count of failing to comply with safety instructions by cabin crew, contrary to regulation 91.580 of Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is a $16,500 fine; and
- One count of consuming alcohol not provided by crew, contrary to regulation 91.780(2) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is a $16,500 fine.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Dom Stephenson said the AFP had zero tolerance for disruptive or antisocial behaviour onboard aircraft or in airports.
"All passengers and airline staff have the right to feel safe and should not have to witness intoxication, violence or bad behaviour, particularly when they're in a confined space in the air," Det a/Supt Stephenson said.
"People who engage in antisocial behaviour should understand this not only impacts their own travel plans, but also that of hundreds of other people if they cause a flight to be delayed or cancelled.
"People who break the law will be dealt with swiftly and will be brought before the courts."
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!
