Bad behaviour = no flying: Schoolies cop stern warning from AFP
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has warned schoolies travellers that displays of bad or drunken behaviour at the airport could result in a flight ban.
The AFP reaffirmed this warning at Gold Coast Airport yesterday, emphasising that innapropriate behaviour will not be tolerated at airports as patrols increase during the busy schoolies period.
Unlawful behaviour includes offences relating to intoxication, public disturbance, smoking in non-permitted areas, carrying prohibited items and incidents relating to assault.
AFP airport police commander at Gold Coast Airport, Josh Kinghorn said school leavers will be heading home if they can’t behave themselves.
“We don’t want to be the party police but the AFP will make arrests if passengers are intoxicated or causing a disturbance,” APC Kinghorn said.
“We understand school leavers want to celebrate the end of their exams, but passengers and airport staff deserve to feel safe during their flight.
“If offensive or abusive behaviour occurs mid-flight, the AFP will be waiting at the terminal to arrest and escort offenders off the plane.”
Police will be increasing their presence at all major airports with drug detection dogs patrolling the terminals. If caught with illicit drugs, school leavers could face drug possession charges and up to 2 years’ imprisonment.
In the past year, the AFP have recorded 50 incidents relating to intoxication and 10 incidents relating to assault at Gold Coast airport.
The maximum penalty for offensive or disorderly behaviour on an aircraft is a $9000 fine and for interfering with crew or aircraft is 2 years’ imprisonment.
Featured Image: Gold Coast airport building and exterior (iStock/BrianScantlebury)
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