By New York Post (World News) | Created at 2025-04-02 13:45:10 | Updated at 2025-04-04 17:12:41
2 days ago
A man has been arrested and issued a no-fly ban on two major airlines after he allegedly punched a 90-year-old passenger in the face at Sydney International Airport on Tuesday.
A bystander who was at the airport during the incident who goes by James, revealed on GOLD 101.7’s Jonesy & Amanda, that the attacker allegedly punched an elderly man in the stomach against a window in the departures terminal around 4 p.m., before attacking a Qantas staff member who ran to the aid of the elderly man.
“A gentleman has come into the airport, of a large nature, and punched a 90-year-old in the stomach, right up against a window,” James alleged.
“And then a very brave Qantas staff [member] approached the gentleman to try and settle it down.
“He got head butted in the head by this guy. I believe there was also a couple other people as well.”
James said it took 10 passengers to jump on the attacker and bring him to the ground.
He described the incident as “unacceptable”.
The Airspace Flow Program (AFP) arrived at the scene and charged a New Zealand national for allegedly assaulting three people at Sydney Airport.
The 37-year-old allegedly assaulted an airline employee, before assaulting two more people, AFP said in a statement on Wednesday.
A crowd of people in the terminal stepped in to restrain the man until police arrived, the AFP confirmed.
The man was arrested and taken to Mascot police station. Following a mental health assessment by paramedics, he was taken to a hospital in Randwick.
He was later released into police custody and charged with two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, contrary to section 59 of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) and one count of common assault, contrary to section 61 of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW).
The offences have a maximum respective penalty of five years’ and two years’ imprisonment.
The man was refused bail and is expected to appear in Downing Centre Local Court on April 2.
A Qantas spokesperson told news.com.au the safety of their staff and customers is “our number one priority and we have zero tolerance for abusive or violent behaviour”.
“The customer has been issued with a no fly ban which applies to both Qantas and Jetstar flights.”
News.com.au understands the staff member involved sustained minor injuries which were treated by paramedics on site.
Sydney Airport Police Commander Davina Copelin said the community, including airline workers, had the right to expect to feel safe at Australian airports.
“The AFP works closely with the airline industry and will intervene if anyone’s behaviour becomes aggressive or violent,” detective acting superintendent Copelin said.
“The AFP has zero tolerance for anti-social, violent or disruptive behaviour at our airport precincts, and we will take action against those who offend.”
