VOZ449 BNE-DRW diverted after passenger's alleged abuse

[David Knudsen]

Brisbane-Darwin flight diverted after passenger's alleged abuse

Source
FlightAware Map

A Brisbane man allegedly abused passengers and staff on a commercial flight on Tuesday, forcing the plane to be diverted. The Virgin Australia flight had taken off from Brisbane at 9.45am and was supposed to land in Darwin about four hours later. However the 45-year-old man allegedly became verbally abusive about 11.30am.

The flight was diverted to Townsville and the man was escorted off the plane. The man was charged with offensive and disorderly behaviour, prohibited items on-board an aircraft – strict liability, assaulting crew, carrying prohibited items through a screening point, certain offences committed on aircraft and common assault. He is scheduled to face Townsville Magistrates Court on Wednesday.