A plane passenger has been charged with assault after allegedly punching an airline worker in the groin during a drunken altercation at Perth Airport.
The 45-year-old passenger was arrested at Perth Domestic Airport on Friday night after airline staff notified federal police about his behaviour.
In a statement, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) said the man allegedly became aggressive after the decision was made to remove him from the flight to Brisbane due to his intoxication.
The man allegedly lunged at an airline staff member and struck him in the groin with his hand.
He is also alleged to have sworn at other passengers, including families with children.
The man was warned about his behavior, but allegedly continued to act in a disorderly manner.
The unruly passenger was flying from Perth to Brisbane but failed to leave the airport as AFP officers escorted him off the plane after he punched an airline worker in the groin.
The man, who appeared in court on Saturday, had been drinking, police said.
He has since been charged with one count of common assault and disorderly conduct in a public place and appeared in Perth Magistrates Court on Saturday.
The maximum penalty for each of these crimes is 18 months in prison and a fine of $18,000.
AFP Acting Detective Superintendent Peter Brindal said there was zero tolerance for violent or abusive behaviour, especially towards airport staff.
“The AFP is committed to working closely with the airline industry to intervene if someone’s behaviour interferes with the safety of the public in or around an airport,” it said.