Abusive passenger forces Virgin flight diversion in north Queensland

An unruly passenger has forced a Virgin Australia flight from Brisbane to Darwin to make an unscheduled stop in the north Queensland city of Townsville on Tuesday.

It is believed the 45-year-old Brisbane man was abusing other travellers aboard Virgin flight VA449.

Police said no-one was injured in the incident, but the crew decided to divert the flight to Townsville.

The man was arrested by police in Townsville where the flight was delayed for several hours.

The plane landed safely in Darwin.

Police expected to charge the man under Commonwealth aviation laws.