Four people were arrested for intervening in altercations that forced the plane in which they were traveling to make two emergency landings. The rioters went so far as to break one of the aircraft's windows in mid-flight.
As seen in a video recorded by one of the passengers, loud individuals standing near the aisle began beating another passenger.
Departing Cairns today..
Just someone trying to glass someone.
More fighting amongst themselves. Complete disregard for other passengers and the plane. I wonder if there were any consequences. #VoteNO 🇦🇺 #VoiceToParliament pic.twitter.com/v5iKWbWRtM
— Jet Ski Bandit (@fulovitboss) April 20, 2023
"A female passenger was removed and charged with disorderly conduct on an aircraft, common assault and failure of cabin crew to comply with safety instructions," an Australian Federal Police (AFP) spokesman said.
The problem did not end there, because after that the plane took off again and the same group of passengers started arguing again, until a fight broke out and ended with one of the plane's windows being broken.
Once again, the plane had to land, this time at Groote Eylandt. There the Northern Territory Police intervened and arrested three other passengers, who are now facing various charges.
Seriously unbelievable ( courtesy of the mango enquirer facebook page)
A flight from Cairns to Groote Eylandt was forced to return mid-flight yesterday afternoon, after a fight broke out onboard the aircraft.
FIFO workers had to step in to assist flight staff quell the unrest.… pic.twitter.com/MWBZ4dTXyy
— Action for Alice 2020 - Darren Clark (@actionforalice) April 21, 2023
A 23-year-old man is being charged with intentionally endangering the safety of others inside the plane, as well as disturbing the peace and causing damage to property.
Another 22-year-old man is also charged with disorderly conduct, possession of drugs and alcohol, and obstructing police.
The third arrested is a 23-year-old woman, charged with damage to property, disturbing the peace and threatening the safety of others.
