The Australian Federal Police will target intoxication and disruptive behaviour as thousands travel through airports over the festive Christmas period.
AFP launched the nation-wide 'Operation Sleigh' as it plans to increase airport patrols during the chaotic holiday season.
"There will be zero tolerance for bad behaviour or disruptive conduct," AFP commander Gail McClure said.
"Operation Sleigh is a timely reminder that the airport is not the place to continue your Christmas parties."
The announcement comes after a recent spate of incidents at airports across the country and AFP charging more than 360 alleged offenders with about 520 offences at airports in 2022.
Two men were charged at Sydney Airport earlier this month for intoxicated disruptive behaviour.
A Beercroft man, 44, in breach of bail was allegedly seen attempting to use an airline phone and drinking alcohol behind an airline desk.
A Penrith man, 40, was arrested and charged with drunk or disorderly conduct, stalking or intimidation and common assault after he became verbally aggressive and physically assaulted airline staff for refusing him entry to a plane.
Commander McClure said passengers convicted of violent acts or of endangering the safety of an aircraft in flight could face lifetime bans from airlines.
The AFP reportedly responded to almost 20,000 incidents at airports in the past year.
The increased presence will include more than 500 members of AFP's Airport Uniform Police, Protection Operations Response, Counter Terrorism First Response and canine teams.
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Operation Sleigh will target intoxication and disruptive behaviour both in the air and in airport terminals.
"Along with possession of prohibited items such as illicit drugs and weapons," Commander McClure said.
"Travellers should expect to feel safe when transiting through the airport and not have to witness intoxicated or violent behaviour," she said.
The announcement was made from Melbourne Airport on Tuesday, which is expecting its busiest Christmas in three years.
Each airport will be designated its own local operation under Operation Sleigh, named after Santa's reindeer:
- Canberra Airport - Op Rudolf
- Perth Airport - Op Dasher
- Darwin Airport - Op Dancer
- Sydney Airport - Op Prancer
- Gold Coast Airport - Op Vixen
- Brisbane Airport - Op Comet
- Adelaide Airport - Op Cupid
- Cairns Airport - Op Donner
- Melbourne Airport - Op Blitzen
Tim Piccione
Tim is a journalist with the Canberra Times covering the ACT courts. He came to the nation's capital via the Daily Advertiser in Wagga. Contact: tim.piccione@canberratimes.com.au.
Tim is a journalist with the Canberra Times covering the ACT courts. He came to the nation's capital via the Daily Advertiser in Wagga. Contact: tim.piccione@canberratimes.com.au.
