Melbourne Airport: Police nab hundreds of travellers at Tullamarine terminals
Police are cracking down on offensive, violent and unruly behaviour at airports this festive season, warning travellers to keep their ‘air-rage’ in-check.
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Authorities have nabbed hundreds of travellers at Melbourne airports for offensive, violent and disruptive behaviour as well as for possessing dangerous prohibited items since borders reopened.
The Australian Federal Police clocked 473 offences between March and September at Tullamarine airport, new data obtained by the Herald Sun reveals.
It comes as the force is bolstering its presence at airports nationwide this week, the busiest of the year, patrolling with sniffer dogs capable of detecting cash, firearms and tech devices.
Police say they have noticed a trend of passengers creating public disturbances resulting in ‘air-rage’ due to travel delays, missed flights and baggage issues post-Covid.
Officers were called to 195 public disturbance matters of this nature as well as incidents of violent behaviour outside terminals involving disputes about taxis and rideshare vehicles.
In Melbourne, 218 passengers were nabbed carrying prohibited items including credit card knives and ammunition rounds concealed by passengers.
A further 18 incidents were recorded relating to assaults.
Thirty were caught for intoxication or offensive behaviour while twelve were caught smoking in non-permitted areas.
AFP Commander Amanda Glover said: “Airports are not nightclubs.”
Across Australia’s capital cities, police responded to more than 800 aviation alcohol-related incidents in the 12 months to November this year.
The force said it was committed to supporting airport staff and ensuring all travellers experience a safe journey from their departure through to their arrival at their destination.
“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,” AFP Commander Peter Bodel said.
“Airport staff are trained to streamline security processes and make sure everyone has a safe flight.”
Commander Bodel encouraged passengers to visit the Airport Watch website to report any unusual or suspicious behaviour.
“We are calling on the travelling public to keep their eyes and ears open as they embark on their travels,” he said.
This includes anyone showing an unusually keen interest in security procedures, taking photos around sensitive areas, asking questions to gain information about the airport or anyone trying to gain unauthorised access to secure areas.
Originally published as Melbourne Airport: Police nab hundreds of travellers at Tullamarine terminals
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