Flight diverted after drunk passenger punches and spits at crew
A Qantas flight from Sydney to Japan had to be diverted after a drunk passenger punched and spat at crew members.
Crew had to restrain the man before the plane landed in Cairns, where police arrested him.
According to the Australian Federal Police, the 34-year-old passenger had allegedly tried to smoke a cigarette on board the flight and then had become abusive to crew and passengers.
The incident prompted AFP assistant commissioner Shane Connelly to issue a warning to air passengers about unruly behaviour.
"Violent and disorderly behaviour occurring both on-board aircrafts and at airports will not be tolerated," he said in a statement.
"Enough is enough. An aircraft captain and co-pilot can ill-afford to be distracted from their duties of safely flying an aircraft by having to deal with drunk, violent or disorderly passengers.
"The cabin crew are there to make your flight safe and enjoyable. They should not have to restrain violent passengers, be abused or assaulted, or be interfered with in conducting their duties."
He said aviation security is taken very seriously.
"Many instances involve alcohol use. While we want people to enjoy the festive season, the public should consume alcohol responsibly and ensure their behaviour remains safe and appropriate," he said.
"Don’t ruin your holiday, embarrass yourself and your family, and incur potentially heavy fines or compensation through violent or intoxicated behaviour on board an aircraft or in an airport."
The man has been charged with smoking in an aircraft, disorderly and offensive behaviour on board an aircraft, and interfering with crew or aircraft.
Under Australian law, these offences carry a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment.
It is believed he will also be charged with assaulting crew general, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment.
The aircraft was forced to dump its fuel load when it diverted to Cairns and it is understood the airline will be seeking to recover the significant costs associated with the unscheduled stop in addition to any criminal charges the man will face.
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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