The 38-year-old man boarded a flight at Canberra Airport for Brisbane. Photo: James Coleman.
A drunk passenger allegedly embarked on an abusive rampage on a flight from Canberra, making sexual comments and threatening other passengers.
The 38-year-old man from Queanbeyan boarded a Canberra to Brisbane flight on 30 July 2025 before his concerning behaviour began, an Australian Federal Police (AFP) spokesperson said.
He allegedly made aggressive and sexual comments and threatened other passengers and cabin crew.
When the plane began descending into Brisbane, he allegedly unfastened his seatbelt and stood up, despite cabin crew telling him to stay in his seat.
The airline called police for help and he was escorted off the plane when they landed.
He underwent a breath analysis and allegedly recorded a reading of 0.223.
The man was charged with offensive or disorderly behaviour on an aircraft and not complying with safety instructions by cabin crew.
Both offences carry a maximum fine of $16,500.
AFP Detective Superintendent Anthony Conway said being subjected to aggressive or anti-social behaviour was often frightening, but particularly so when people were confined in a plane in the air.
“The AFP has zero tolerance for anyone behaving like this,” he said.
“Threatening other people and disobeying cabin crew instructions are serious offences with very real consequences.
“Anyone breaking the law on a flight, or in an airport, will be dealt with swiftly and brought before the courts.”
The man is scheduled to face the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday (5 September).
Seriously, the ACT is turning into a dictatorship View