Aggressive passenger charged after country flight cancelled before takeoff
The 32-year-old was allegedly verbally abusing airline staff.
A man will face court after a domestic flight was cancelled over his allegedly aggressive behaviour towards an airline crew member.
The 32-year-old man from Coomealla in regional NSW had boarded a flight from Sydney to Mildura on March 11 when his allegedly aggressive outburst started.
The plane had taxied to the end of the runway when the man allegedly began verbally abusing and intimidating an airline crew member.
The plane returned to the airport terminal and Australian Federal Police (AFP) were on the scene to forcibly escort the man to hospital for a mental health assessment.
The Mildura flight was cancelled due to the delays.
AFP Sydney Airport commander Davina Copelin said "the safety and wellbeing of all travellers and workers is paramount".
"The AFP will take action against members of the public whose behaviour risks the safety of fellow passengers or airline staff," she said.
The man was charged with one count each of threatening aircraft crew, obstructing Commonwealth officials and offensive or disorderly behaviour on an aircraft.
The charges potentially carry jail time and fines.
Anna Houlahan is a journalist for the Courier, dedicated to uncovering the stories that shape the city. Reach out with news or updates to anna.houlahan@austcommunitymedia.com.au
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