Media Release
German national charged with assault on Melbourne-bound flight
A German national appeared before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court yesterday (19 February, 2025) charged over an assault onboard a Melbourne-bound flight.
The man was handed a two-year good behaviour order but had no conviction recorded when the matter was finalised yesterday.
The man, 38, was asleep on the flight from Singapore when he was awoken by cabin crew staff.
He then pushed a female cabin crew member in the chest.
AFP officers at Melbourne Airport were advised of the incident and took the man into custody shortly after the flight’s arrival yesterday morning (19 February, 2025).
The man was charged with one count of assaulting crew onboard an aircraft, contrary to section 20A of the Crimes Aviation Act 1991 (Cth).
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Stephen Cook said disruptive and violent conduct on flights into Australia would not be tolerated.
“Cabin crew members on flights are simply trying to go about their work day, and they don’t need, and don’t deserve, to be subjected to violence, as was alleged in this incident,” Det a/Supt Cook said.
“We understand this man was merely transiting through Melbourne on his way to New Zealand, with the incident disrupting that travel.
“The AFP has a presence at nine airports across the country, and we will continue to support airline staff and passengers by responding to incidents such as this, and by putting alleged offenders before the courts.”
