Australian Federal Police have released footage of a handcuffed New Zealand man being taken off an Air New Zealand plane in Melbourne.
The AFP received a report yesterday morning about the passenger, who was allegedly intoxicated and being disruptive, on a flight from Perth to Auckland.
Crew on board the flight alleged the man, aged 23, refused to comply with requests – and allegedly assaulted a crew member, causing them a “slight injury”.
The flight was diverted to Melbourne Airport. Australian police then boarded the aircraft to remove the passenger, who had been “restrained at the back of the aircraft”.
The 23-year-old was charged with one count of assaulting crew affecting the performance of their duty.
“Any violence or anti-social behaviour in a confined space in the air would be distressing for other passengers and crew,” AFP detective superintendent Stephen Cook said.
“At the very least, in this alleged incident it disrupted everyone’s travel plans.
“Anti-social behaviour during a flight can pose a direct threat to the safety of the aircraft that is taken seriously by airlines and the AFP.”
