Media Release
Man charged for allegedly assaulting three people at Sydney Airport
The AFP has charged a New Zealand national for allegedly assaulting three people at Sydney Airport.
The AFP responded to a report of an assault in the international departures terminal about 4.15pm yesterday (1 April, 2025).
The New Zealand man, 37, allegedly assaulted an airline employee, before assaulting two more people. A crowd of people in the terminal then stepped in to restrain the man until the AFP arrived..
NSW Ambulance treated the alleged victims at the scene for minor injuries.
AFP officers arrested the man and took him to Mascot police station. Following a mental health assessment by paramedics, he was taken to a hospital in Randwick. He was later released into police custody and charged with:
- Two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, contrary to section 59 of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW); and
- One count of common assault, contrary to section 61 of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW).
The offences have a maximum respective penalty of five years’ and two years’ imprisonment.
The man was refused bail and is expected to appear in Downing Centre Local Court today (2 April, 2025).
Sydney Airport Police Commander Davina Copelin said the community, including airline workers, had the right to expect to feel safe at Australian airports.
“The AFP works closely with the airline industry and will intervene if anyone’s behaviour becomes aggressive or violent,” Detective Acting Superintendent Copelin said.
“The AFP has zero tolerance for antisocial, violent or disruptive behaviour at our airport precincts, and we will take action against those who offend.”
The AFP provides aviation security at nine major airports in Australia.
Anyone who sees suspicious behaviour at an Australian airport can call Airport Watch on 131 237.
