A Canadian citizen is due to appear in Downing Centre Local Court today for allegedly attempting to open an aircraft emergency exit door while on an international flight.
The man was charged by the AFP after arriving into Sydney Airport on a flight from Vancouver, Canada, on May 14th.
It will be alleged in court that another passenger noticed the man attempting to open the emergency exit door about two hours into the flight and pulled him away.
“Airline staff moved the man to a seat at the rear of the aircraft and supervised him for the remainder of the flight,” Australian Federal Police said in a statement today.
“It will be alleged the man was intoxicated at the time of the incident.”
AFP officers responded to a request to meet the flight at the arrivals gate at Sydney International Airport.
Police arrested the man and charged him with one count of threaten safety of aircraft. The maximum penalty for this offence is a $5,000 fine or imprisonment or both.
AFP Detective Inspector Dom Stephenson said the AFP was committed to supporting airport staff and ensuring all travellers experienced a safe journey from their departure through to their arrival at their destination.
“The AFP and our aviation partners have no tolerance for antisocial, violent or dangerous behaviour and we will take action,” Detective Inspector Stephenson said.
“Passengers expect to feel safe and should not have to witness or endure intoxication or reckless behaviour.”
