The AFP has removed three passengers from an international flight bound for Indonesia, with an airline forced to unexpectedly divert its aircraft to Darwin to offload the group over concerns for their escalating disruptive behaviour.
AFP officers at Darwin International Airport were called to remove three Queensland men from the flight that originated in Brisbane on Friday afternoon (28 July, 2023).
Airline cabin crew identified an East Brisbane man, 42, a Sheldon man, 20, and a Wellington Point man, 20, had allegedly become intoxicated during the flight and asked the passengers to move from their seats in the exit row, as they would be unable to perform assistance in the event of an emergency.
It is alleged the men, initially refused to comply with the directions of the cabin crew, before eventually moving seats.
The men then allegedly became increasingly disruptive on board the flight, consuming duty-free alcohol they had brought on board, while one passenger was also allegedly observed vaping in their seat.
The aircraft captain then made the decision to divert the flight to Darwin, over concerns the group’s behaviour may escalate further.
AFP officers entered the cabin and escorted the three males from the flight without incident at around 4pm on Friday afternoon.
The trio were spoken to and cautioned by police within the terminal and subsequently released from police custody.
The group are expected to be fined in relation to the incident for the following offences:
• Offensive or disorderly behaviour
• Consume Alcohol
• Smoking (includes e-cigarettes) on board aircraft
The aircraft then continued its journey to Denpasar following the diversion to Darwin to offload the passengers.
Darwin Airport Commander, Superintendent Greg Davis said the AFP would not tolerate offensive and disruptive behaviour on board aircrafts or inside airports across Australia.
“We know that the majority of passengers do the right thing and they should not have their travel disrupted or feel unsafe because of the bad behaviour of some individuals,” said Supt Davis.
“We again remind the public that airports are not nightclubs. We have zero tolerance for abusive and aggressive behaviour at airports and on aircraft.
“If you require police presence at an airport, or wish to report an incident or provide information please call the AFP’s Airport Watch on 131 AFP (131 237).”
