Reason for alleged assault on flight

QANTAS FALLOUT
An overseas national has been charged after allegedly striking another passenger on-board a flight from New Zealand. NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

An overseas national has been charged after allegedly striking another passenger on-board a flight from New Zealand following a dispute over baggage.

The 25-year-old Thai national was arrested at Sydney airport on Wednesday after the Australian Federal Police were notified of an alleged incident while passengers were disembarking.

Police allege the man assaulted a passenger next to him on the flight from Wellington after a bag landed on the man’s head while passengers were removing overhead luggage.

Officers allege the man became aggressive before striking the fellow passenger in the face.

The man has since been charged with one count of assault occasioning bodily harm and is due before the Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday.

QANTAS STRIKE
The man was arrested at Sydney airport. Picture: NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

If found guilty and convicted, the man faces a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison.

AFP Acting Superintendent Damien Full said passengers and airline staff in general should not be subjected to any aggressive or offensive behaviour.

“The AFP has zero tolerance for violent or abusive behaviour,” Superintendent Full said.

“Aggressive action in an enclosed space can be extremely frightening for everyone.

“The AFP works closely with the airline industry to intervene if anyone’s behaviour impacts the wellbeing of other passengers.”