Media Release
NZ traveller sentenced over mid-flight assault of crew members
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A New Zealand national was sentenced this week (22 July, 2025) for assaulting two airline crew members on an international flight, which resulted in the plane being diverted to Melbourne.
The man, 23, was sentenced by the County Court of Victoria to six months’ imprisonment, to be released immediately on a two-year good behaviour bond. He was also ordered to pay the airline $10,824 in compensation.
The AFP charged the man on 23 October, 2024, after responding to reports of an intoxicated and disruptive passenger on a flight from Perth to Auckland, New Zealand.
The man refused to comply with requests from two crew members and assaulted both, causing minor injuries.
The flight was diverted to Melbourne Airport to enable AFP officers to board the aircraft and remove the passenger, who was restrained at the back of the aircraft.
He pleaded guilty on 17 April, 2025, to two counts of assaulting crew of an aircraft, contrary to section 20A of the Crimes (Aviation) Act 1991 (Cth).
AFP Detective Superintendent Stephen Cook said airline staff deserved to feel safe in their workplace and not be subjected to violence and aggression from passengers.
“Anti-social behaviour during a flight can pose a direct threat to the safety of the aircraft, and in this instance, also inconvenience passengers onboard,” Det-Supt Cook said.
“The AFP works closely with the airline industry to intervene if anyone’s behaviour interferes with the safety of workers or the public in or around an airport, or on flights.”
Stop and think. A safe journey starts with you.
Every piece of information you provide could be the key to identifying and preventing a threat at our airports. That's why the AFP is asking you to adopt the; "See it. Hear it. Report it." approach.
Behaviours to report include:
- Taking photos of security cameras, screening, or perimeter fencing
- Avoiding screening
- Leaving bags unattended
- Loitering
- Concealing identity
- Exhibiting erratic behaviour
If you see it or hear it, report it to Airport Watch at 131 237 (131 AFP).
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