Abusive and intoxicated airport passengers to be targeted in national police operation

One group of Aussies will be targeted by cops as this year’s holiday season gets underway.

Police are ramping up patrols across nine of Australia’s biggest airports this festive season, targeting disorderly and abusive holiday goers.

As Aussies prepare to jet-off overseas or around the country, the Australian Federal Police have urged customers to be respectful of airport staff.

Since July 1 this year, just under 180 people have been charged with 248 offences.

AFP airport police commander acting inspector Amanda Glover said officers would be targeting those who choose to abuse airport and airline staff, as well as those who try to sneak nefarious items onto flights.

Hundreds of officers will be deployed across nine airports in Australia.Picture: NCA NewsWire / Roy VanDerVegt

Offensive and destructive behaviour will be the main concern for the patrolling officers.Picture: NCA NewsWire / Roy VanDerVegt

Specialist AFP dogs will also be deployed. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Roy VanDerVegt

“AFP will target offensive and disruptive behaviour in the air and on the ground along with the possession of prohibited items, such as illicit drugs and weapons,” Insp Glover said.

The operation, which commenced on Monday, will run through December and January at airports in Canberra, Darwin, Cairns, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.

About 500 airport uniform police and counter-terroism first response team members will attempt to limit illegal activity and anti-social behaviour.

“We’ve seen an increase in passenger frustration at airports, some of that is due to bad behaviour from intoxication [and] by passengers who are not patient and [are] intolerant,” she said.

High visibility patrols will be conducted by officers at nine of Australia’s biggest airports to stamp out illegal and anti-social behaviour.Picture: NCA NewsWire / Roy VanDerVegt

Amanda Glover said there were a range offences being committed across Aussie airports, specifically highlighting offensive and disruptive behaviour. Picture: AFP

Melbourne Airport had one of the highest rates of offending in Australia, with 46 people being charged this financial year.

Melbourne Airport Chief of Aviation Jim Parashos said “things will be busy” this summer, with a massive influx of passengers expected to travel in and out of Melbourne.

“Melbourne Airport is expecting its busiest summer season for international travellers with over 1.5 million travellers passing through,” Mr Parashos said.

Following the devastating impact of Cyclone Jasper in far north Queensland, leading to the closure of Cairns Airport, Mr Parashos said passengers shouldn’t be lashing out at airport staff about the affects weather has on their travel.

Jim Parashos said passengers should pack some “patience” and some “respect” for airport staff these holidays. Picture: Melbourne Airport

“What I would encourage everyone to do is really pack two things before you travel: your patience and a little bit of respect,” he said.

“As we’ve seen over the last two to three weeks, there’s been some fairly significant weather events either high winds that put us down to single runway operations.

“Quite often people will come to Melbourne Airport, it’s clear blue skies, and say ‘how could it be the weather?’ but of course it can be the knock on effect in Brisbane or Sydney,” he added.