Man Charged After Allegedly Assaulting Flight Attendant in Bathroom Dispute
A 59-year-old man has been charged in Australia after allegedly assaulting a flight attendant during a bathroom dispute on a plane bound for Brisbane.
According to the Australian Federal Police (AFP), the incident occurred at Perth Airport on July 14, when the man reportedly refused instructions from a crew member to take his seat as the aircraft was preparing for departure. Police said the passenger wanted to use the bathroom and allegedly pushed the crew member after being told to sit down.
The altercation was reported to the flight captain, who requested police assistance. AFP officers boarded the plane and removed the passenger, describing him as uncooperative during the arrest. An AFP image showed the man in a white shirt and black trousers being escorted away from the gate area.
Authorities did not confirm whether alcohol or other substances were involved. The AFP emphasized its zero-tolerance policy toward aggression against airline staff, stressing that such behavior endangers crew and passengers alike.
“The AFP has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to the assault or mistreatment of airline staff, and anyone who commits such an offense can be prosecuted,” said Inspector Peter Brindal.
The man has been charged with one count of assaulting a crew member under section 318A of the Criminal Code. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison. He is scheduled to appear in Perth Magistrates Court on July 29.
The case comes amid heightened global concerns about unruly passenger incidents, with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration reporting 934 cases so far in 2025.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, yahoo.com