TULLAMARINE, VIC. — A 21-year-old Victorian man yesterday appeared before the Broadmeadows Magistrates Court, charged with assaulting a passenger and cabin crew member on an international flight from Phuket to Melbourne.
The man was charged on April 1, 2026, after Federal Police responded to a request for assistance from airline staff.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) alleged in court that the man assaulted a female crew member when he grabbed her shoulders and shook her after she had refused his request to hug her.
He 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 Federal Police attend at the arrivals gate.
AFP officers removed the man from the plane before 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.”
