AFP warning over passenger ‘air rage’ at Australian airports

The AFP is warning passengers that offensive, violent and disruptive behaviour, together with incidents of ‘air-rage’ is not going to be tolerated within the air or on the bottom, as passenger numbers enhance throughout the busy faculty vacation journey interval.

The passenger behaviour warning comes as AFP officers enhance patrols throughout Australian airports as a part of the varsity vacation journey interval, making certain all passengers safely depart and arrive at their journey locations.

Previously seven months, the AFP has responded to 748 incidents referring to public disturbances, intoxication and offensive behaviour at its airports.

As well as, AFP officers have reported 746 incidents associated to passengers carrying prohibited gadgets, seizing potential weapons together with bank card knives and ammunition rounds hid by passengers.

AFP officers have additionally reported a development of passengers creating public disturbances leading to ‘air-rage’ on account of missed flights, journey delays and baggage points, together with incidents of violent behaviour outdoors of terminals involving disputes over taxis or rideshare autos.

AFP Commander Peter Bodel mentioned the AFP was dedicated to supporting airport workers and making certain all travellers expertise a protected journey from their departure by way of to their arrival at their vacation spot.

“Airport workers are skilled to streamline safety processes and ensure everybody has a protected flight. It’s disappointing when a small variety of passengers present violent or abusive behaviour in direction of people who find themselves making an attempt to do their jobs, so we’re urging passengers to do the appropriate factor.”

Commander Bodel acknowledged the vital position the general public performed in working with police to maintain the neighborhood protected, together with within the aviation surroundings.

“We encourage passengers and airport workers to revisit Airport Watch and know the indicators when one thing just isn’t proper,” Commander Bodel mentioned.

“We’re calling on the travelling public to maintain their eyes and ears open as they embark on their travels not solely these faculty holidays, however anytime they’re heading to the airport.”

From March – September 2022, the AFP recorded incidents in any respect main airports referring to:

• Carrying prohibited gadgets

• Intoxication or offensive behaviour

• Public disturbance

• Incidents referring to assault

• Smoking in non-permitted areas

Airport Watch enhances the AFP’s current capabilities, which embody neighborhood policing and counter-terrorism first response functionality, air safety officers, joint intelligence groups and bomb appraisal officers, together with firearms and explosives detection canines.

The utmost penalty for unruly behaviour on an plane is a $9000 advantageous (Part 256AA Civil Aviation Laws -1988) and for interfering with crew or plane is 2 years’ imprisonment (Part 24 Civil Aviation Act 1988).

If you happen to require a police presence at an airport, or want to report an incident or present data, please name the AFP’s Airport Watch on 131 AFP (131 237).

Incidents at Australian airports: