Federal, NT Police arrest four passengers for alleged mid-flight brawl

Ticket sales have been restricted after a chartered FIFO flight into the Territory allegedly broke into violence.

Australian Federal Police and NT Police arrested four passengers over an alleged brawl on a flight from Cairns to Darwin, via Groote Eylandt, on Thursday April 20.

Ticket sales have been restricted and security will guard check-in booths following two mid-flight brawls on a Territory flight.

Australian Federal Police and NT Police confirmed four people were arrested following a flight from Cairns to Darwin, via Groote Eylandt, on Thursday April 20.

An AFP spokeswoman said following an initial alleged assault the flight was turned around back to Queensland.

Australian Federal Police and NT Police arrested four passengers over an alleged brawl on a flight from Cairns to Darwin, via Groote Eylandt, on Thursday.

She said a woman was removed from the plane and charged with disorderly behaviour on an aircraft, common assault and failing to comply with safety instructions by cabin crew.

But when the plane took off for a second time, the trouble allegedly started brewing again.

A NT Police spokesman alleged a second disturbance involving multiple passengers was reported about 8.30pm.

The alleged mid-flight brawl resulted in an internal window being smashed.

The damaged window.

When the plane landed in Alyangula, police arrested three passengers.

A 23-year-old man was charged with intentionally endangering the safety of others, aggravated assault, damage to property, disorderly behaviour in a public place, and contravening a domestic violence order.

Scenes from inside the plane.

A 23-year-old woman was charged with property damage, disorderly behaviour in a public place and intentionally endangering the safety of others.

A 22-year-old was charged with commercial drug supply, drug possession, hindering a member of the police, disorderly behaviour and possessing liquor in a restricted area.

The trio were expected to face the Darwin Local Court on Monday.

Groote Eylandt Mining Company, who chartered the Alliance Airline flight, said following the alleged incidents it had posted a security guard at the check-in desks and at the boarding gate.

“Abusive, discriminatory or threatening behaviour towards any individual, including airline crew, will not be tolerated,” the company wrote in a statement.

GEMCO said it was working with the airline, Cairns Airport, police and the Anindilyakwa Land Council to review their safety processes.

“Alliance Airlines has paused new online public ticket sales,” it said.

“If you are a public passenger with an existing booking your ticket currently remains valid.”