A New Zealand woman has been arrested after alleged “intoxicated behaviour” on a plane, which included “dancing in the aisle while the plane was taxiing", the Australian Federal Police say.
The 50-year-old woman also allegedly ignored instructions and swore at cabin crew.
The flight, which was bound for Queenstown from Sydney in July 2025, returned to the gate and requested police assistance to remove the woman from the aircraft.
Police said when she was asked to exit, she then became “argumentative and non-compliant”.
“She was removed from the aircraft by [Australian Federal Police] members so the flight could depart, before she was released from police custody. The woman returned to New Zealand the following day.”
Australian Federal Police detective acting inspector Trevor Robinson said boarding a flight while drunk and ignoring cabin crew instruction was inconsiderate, and can also lead to serious repercussions.
“Anyone misbehaving under the influence of alcohol will be removed from their flight.”
He said the alleged behaviour of the woman risked the safety of “herself, passengers and crew”. He said a delayed takeoff “inconveniences everyone on board”.
“Anyone misbehaving on a flight and not cooperating with law enforcement isn’t just spoiling their trip, but they are potentially ruining the travel plans of hundreds of other people. They also face the possibility of a criminal conviction on their record for life.”
She is due to appear before the Downing Centre Local Court today.
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