Chaos as rowdy passenger is ejected from plane after allegedly vaping and urinating on seats before takeoff
A disorderly passenger was removed from a flight after allegedly vaping and urinating on empty seats on a plane before takeoff.
The passenger, 52, allegedly carried out the disgusting behavior on a flight to Melbourne from the Gold Coast on Monday evening.
Australian Federal Police officers had to intervene to escort the passenger off the plane.
He was subsequently hit with a series of charges and had to appear in court next year.
A man was escorted from a plane at Gold Coast Airport by Australian Federal Police officers on Monday (pictured).
The 52-year-old was reportedly seen smoking an e-cigarette in his seat before leaving.
He was ordered to stop by the cabin crew, after which he got into an argument and tried to enter the toilet.
Fellow passengers then watched in horror as the man reportedly dropped his shorts and urinated on empty seats.
The plane returned to the terminal so the unruly passenger could be removed from the delayed flight by AFP officers.
The man was charged with offensive or disorderly conduct on an aircraft and disobedience safety instructions by cabin crew and ssulking on planes.
The man will appear before the Southport Magistrates Court on February 5.
The maximum penalty for each of these violations is a $13,750 fine.
“I am appalled by the disgraceful behavior exhibited by this aircraft,” Gold Coast Airport Chief Inspector Josh Kinghorn said.
“AFP has zero tolerance for bad behavior at airports and this case is an example of how one person's abhorrent actions have a direct impact on those around him.
There will be an increased presence of AFP officials at airports during the busy festive season
'Smoking a vape and urinating on a seat is not only disgusting, but also poses a serious risk to the safety and comfort of passengers.
“Such despicable actions will never be tolerated, and we will ensure that appropriate action is taken to hold the individual accountable for the abhorrent behavior.”
The AFP has stepped up its high-visibility patrols at major airports ahead of Christmas, the busiest travel period of the year.
About 2.6 million passengers are expected through Australia's largest airport, Sydney, during the three-week Christmas holiday peak, almost 500,000 more than last year
People are reminded that bad behavior can delay flights and lead to travel bans and criminal charges.
AFP officials have urged travelers to do the right thing during the busiest travel period of the year (stock photo of travelers at Sydney Airport)
At least 180 alleged offenders have been charged with 252 offenses at Australia's busiest airports in the five months since July 1.
'We see increasing frustration among passengers at airports. Some of this is due to bad behavior due to drunkenness, to passengers who are not patient or tolerant, and some is due to travelers who are stressed about being late or ill-prepared,” according to AFP- Deputy Commissioner Wegg.
'Holidays can be exciting, but also stressful.
“Bad behavior can let down those we love, including families and children. So be prepared, patient and courteous at airports this holiday season.”
Travelers who see fellow passengers doing something wrong are urged to report the incident to the AFP hotline on 131 237.