Australian Federal Police have issued a warning to travellers that they will not be tolerating ‘air rage’ in the air or on the ground, as passenger numbers increase during the busy school holiday travel period.
The AFP said there has been a disturbing trend of offensive, violent and disruptive behaviour across all Australian airports in recent months.
The increase has been blamed on the higher rate of missed flights, travel delays and baggage issues, along with incidents of violent behaviour outside of terminals involving disputes over taxis or rideshare vehicles.
In the past seven months, the AFP has responded to 748 incidents relating to public disturbances, intoxication and offensive behaviour at its airports.
Officers have also reported 746 incidents related to passengers carrying prohibited items, seizing potential weapons including credit card knives and ammunition rounds concealed by passengers.
AFP Commander Peter Bodel said the AFP was committed to supporting airport staff and ensuring all travellers experience a safe journey from their departure through to their arrival at their destination.
“Airport staff are trained to streamline security processes and make sure everyone has a safe flight. It is disappointing when a small number of passengers show violent or abusive behaviour towards people who are trying to do their jobs, so we are urging passengers to do the right thing.”
Commander Bodel acknowledged the critical role the public played in working with police to keep the community safe, including in the aviation environment.
“We encourage passengers and airport staff to revisit Airport Watch and know the signs when something is not right,” Commander Bodel said.
“We are calling on the travelling public to keep their eyes and ears open as they embark on their travels not only these school holidays, but anytime they are heading to the airport.”
Incidents at Australian airports:
| Offence | Melbourne | Sydney | Brisbane | Perth | Adelaide | Gold Coast | Cairns | Canberra | Darwin |
| Carrying prohibited items | 218 | 184 | 138 | 75 | 60 | 43 | 6 | 14 | 8 |
| Intoxication or offensive behaviour | 30 | 36 | 18 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 22 |
| Public disturbance | 195 | 167 | 61 | 72 | 52 | 50 | 5 | 8 | 18 |
| Incidents relating to assault | 18 | 17 | 4 | 6 | 1 | 7 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| Smoking in non-permitted areas | 12 | 42 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 11 | 2 | 6 | 1 |
