Xmas blitz on badly-behaved travellers at airports

Sam McKeith | December 19, 2023

Badly-behaved travellers will get their comeuppance if they draw the ire of the Australian Federal Police with airport patrols ramped up this festive season.

The AFP says its officers will undertake highly-visible patrols across designated facilities with a zero-tolerance attitude to poor behaviour in the air and on the ground.

The operation comes after 179 people were charged with 248 offences at Canberra, Darwin, Cairns, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth airports so far in 2023/24.

AFP Sydney Airport police commander Morgen Blunden said hundreds of officers would be involved in the operation during peak flying season.

“There can be serious consequences including significant delays in flights, but also you might face temporary or permanent bans by the airline,” he said on Monday .

“You may also face arrest and charges, and in addition to that you may ruin the holidays.”

Intoxication, impatience or poor planning from passengers could lead to frustrations boiling over at airports.

“While holidays can be exciting, they can also be stressful,” AFP assistant commissioner Alison Wegg said.

She urged those travelling this festive season to “be prepared, patient and polite” at airports during the peak holiday season.

Passengers should check in early online and check traffic conditions for their route to the airport to ensure there was enough time to arrive and clear security before a flight.