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"Zero tolerance" policy for rowdy air passengers over holiday period: Aussie Justice Minister

Xinhua, December 12, 2016 Adjust font size:

Australian police will show zero tolerance to travelers who act inappropriately at Australian airports during the Christmas rush, the nation's justice minister said on Monday.

Michael Keenan said Australian Federal Police (AFP) will be targeting drunk and unruly passengers throughout the holiday period in order to ensure travelers have safe and smooth Christmas travels.

"This holiday season, the Australian Federal Police will be taking a hard-stance against travelers found behaving violently, or offensively towards staff or fellow passengers," Keenan said in a statement.

"The message is clear: the law doesn't stop just because you're on holiday."

Keenan said those who decide to ignore the plea face fines totaling in the thousands of dollars.

"Over the past year, the AFP has charged hundreds of passengers for unruly and illegal behavior, which is not acceptable in any setting and will not be tolerated in our airports," he said.

"In 2015-16, the AFP charged 76 people for drunken or offensive behavior at airports across Australia, with the offenders facing a potential maximum fine of 6700 U.S. dollars."

The justice minister also reminded travelers that carrying weapons into airports carries a significant penalty, while some airlines may also impose their own charges on those who break their rules.

"The AFP (has also) seized more than 2,355 weapons and charged 175 people with carrying a weapon or prohibited item (in 2015/16), which attracts a fine up to 13,500 and 2700 U.S. dollars respectively," Keenan said.

"When travelers are passing through an airport or on a plane, they are bound by Australian law and the AFP will take action against anyone who breaches the law."

"Travelers should remember too, that the police and airlines are well within their rights to impose their own charges, bans or recover costs associated with any flight diversions."

The minister concluded by wishing all travelers a happy Christmas and "to stay safe this holiday season". Endit