A 21-year-old Australian man is facing charges over an alleged mid-air assault on an international flight travelling from Phuket to Melbourne.
Authorities claim the incident unfolded on the April 1 service after the man asked a female cabin crew member for a hug and was refused, before allegedly grabbing her by the shoulders and shaking her.
Australian Federal Police allege he later moved toward the back of the aircraft and assaulted a fellow passenger who was coming out of a toilet cubicle, striking him multiple times in the face.
Cabin crew restrained the 21-year-old for the remainder of the flight until AFP officers met the aircraft at the arrivals gate in Melbourne.
Video released by the AFP shows several officers escorting the man off the plane after it landed.
He has been charged with one count of assaulting aircraft crew and one count of common assault.
The offences carry maximum prison terms of 10 years and two years respectively.
The man is scheduled to face Broadmeadows Magistrates Court on Monday.
AFP Superintendent Stephen Cook said passengers and airline crew members were entitled to enjoy a safe journey on board an aircraft.
“The AFP has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to the (alleged) assault or mistreatment of passengers or cabin crew, and anyone who commits such an offense can expect to be prosecuted,” he said.
“The AFP maintains a strong presence at Australia’s major airports for this very reason.”
