Travellers are warned to stay off the Australian Federal Police ‘naughty list’ as more than 500 AFP officers will be deployed across airports over the busy holiday travel season to crack down on displays of bad behaviour by ‘Christmas Grinches’.
The AFP will undertake highly visible patrols across designated airports during the festive season to reinforce zero tolerance for bad behaviour and ensure all passengers have an enjoyable journey.
AFP Assistant Commissioner Alison Wegg said 179 alleged offenders were charged with 248 offences at nine designated airports (Canberra, Darwin, Cairns, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth) from 1 July-14 December 2023 alone.
“We are seeing an increased frustration by passengers at airports. Some of that is due to bad behaviour from intoxication, passengers who are not being patient or tolerant and some is attributable to some travellers who are stressed because they are running late or ill-prepared,” she said.
It also follows the recent Air New Zealand revelation of filing around 200 reports per month due to unruly passengers.
Christmas crackdown
Working with airline partners, the AFP warns that bad airport behaviour can delay flights and lead to travel bans and even criminal charges.
With tens of thousands of travellers expected to travel during these peak weeks, passengers are advised to be prepared, patient and polite, especially as airports have different screening and security processes.
Travellers can also save time by online check-in or via the airline’s app, check road conditions on the way to the airport and pre-book parking, rideshares or taxis.
Australian Airports Association CEO James Goodwin said it was important that travellers respected airport staff and each other.
“We are working hard to get you on your holiday and to your destination safely and urge people not to take out any frustrations on staff or each other as unruly or disrespectful behaviour won’t be tolerated,” he said.
