SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
A New Zealand woman is set to appear before Downing Centre Local Court today after she was removed from a flight in Sydney for alleged intoxicated behaviour, including ignoring cabin crew instructions and dancing in the aisle while the plane was taxiing.
The 50-year-old woman was on a flight from Sydney to Queenstown in July when she allegedly ignored safety instructions, swore at cabin crew and danced in the aisle when the pilot was taxiing for takeoff, Australian Federal Police (AFP) said in a statement.
The pilot aborted takeoff, returned to the gate and requested AFP assistance to remove the woman from the aircraft. The woman was subsequently asked to exit the plane by AFP officers and allegedly became argumentative and non-compliant.
She was removed from the aircraft by AFP members so the flight could depart, before she was released from police custody. The woman returned to New Zealand the following day.
She received a Court Attendance Notice for failing to comply with cabin crew safety instruction, which carries a maximum penalty of a $16,500 fine; and obstruct/hinder/intimidate/resist Commonwealth official, which carries a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment.
AFP Detective Acting Inspector Trevor Robinson said boarding a flight intoxicated and ignoring cabin crew instruction was inconsiderate and can also lead to serious repercussions.
“Anyone misbehaving under the influence of alcohol will be removed from their flight,” Det A/Insp Robinson said.
“The alleged behaviour of this woman risked the safety of herself, passengers and crew, and in this case caused a delayed takeoff, which inconveniences everyone on board.”
“Anyone misbehaving on a flight and not cooperating with law enforcement isn’t just spoiling their trip, but they are potentially ruining the travel plans of hundreds of other people. They also face the possibility of a criminal conviction on their record for life.”
