AFP boosts patrols at Darwin Airport to tackle anti-social behaviour
Boozy pre-flight airport lounge sessions or angry outbursts at delays and cancellations could leave travellers with more than just a missed trip. Read what the AFP will crack down on this Christmas.
Northern Territory
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Unruly and intoxicated travellers are being warned they will face more than just a missed flight as the Australian Federal Police boosts patrols at Darwin Airport.
AFP Acting Superintendent Edwin Windle said drunk and unruly passengers could expect to be charged, with Darwin Airport one of nine in the country to have boosted patrols this festive season.
“This is a special time of the year, it’s a time for you, Territorians are preparing to go on holidays, to travel and meet family and friends,” Superintendent Windle said.
“The AFP and its stakeholders want to ensure that all passengers start their travels on a good note and they arrive safely at their destinations.”
Superintendent Windle said the AFP had responded to 800 aviation alcohol-related incidents “over the last few years”, including 330 people facing a combined 420 charges laid between May and October this year.
There were 18 arrests at Darwin Airport on a combined 25 charges that Superintendent Windle said the majority of which were “in relation to alcohol-related incidents”.
“My message today is simple: if you’re travelling through Darwin Airport, be on your best behaviour because the AFP will take action against members of the public who are disruptive or violent or threatening in any way,” he said.
“That being said, we do understand that the vast majority of passengers do the right thing and behave appropriately and the AFP does thank those members of the public for their ongoing cooperation.
“I’d also like to encourage members of the public to contact AFP Airport Watch on 131 237 if they see anything unusual or suspicious while working or travelling through airports around Australia.”
Canine patrols would also be boosted throughout Darwin Airport over the festive season.
The national terrorism threat level remains at probable and Superintendent Windle said the AFP response would be “proportionate” as required.
As travel numbers return to pre-Covid numbers, he said airports were anticipating their busiest periods of the year and urged passengers to check with airlines for flight cancellations and delays.
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