Perth Airport Breach: Man Smashes Glass To Reach Tarmac

A drunk traveler at Perth International Airport now awaits a court hearing after allegedly breaching security and breaking a window before walking out onto the airport tarmac. On Tuesday, December 30, the Australian Federal Police were called to the airport after it was alleged that the New Zealand traveler became intoxicated and was denied boarding.

Following being denied entry for his flight, he took evasive action by activating the ‘break glass alarm’, pushing past airline staff, and gaining access to the airport tarmac. Following this, he then started to walk towards an aircraft. The 25-year-old male was subsequently arrested and has been charged with entering an airside security zone without the necessary permission.

Appearing Before Court

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The individual has been summoned for Wednesday, December 31, to appear before the Perth Magistrates Court, where he will hear his fate. The fine for entering an airside security zone without the necessary clearance can be a fine of up to AU $15,650 ($10,430).

Airport secure areas are closely monitored to ensure the safety of workers and the traveling public. The Australian Federal Police Acting Superintendent Hayly Faitful noted that those who decide not to follow the rules will face arrest and possible prosecution. Faithful explained in more detail to Australia’s 7News:

Denied Boarding For Being Intoxicated

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The allegedly intoxicated male traveler was denied boarding for his flight due to heightened safety risk when transporting intoxicated passengers. These types of travelers can become disruptive onboard and may not fully understand or become unresponsive to crew instructions. This creates a danger not only to themselves but also to everyone else on board.

Alcohol’s effects can become amplified when traveling at altitude, and airlines are legally required to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew onboard, which, as a result, enforces aviation regulations on limiting those flying while under the influence of alcohol. Unpredictable behavior of those who are intoxicated can quickly become verbally or physically abusive, and create additional concern during turbulence or onboard emergencies.

Airlines require their staff to refuse passage if they believe a passenger may appear under the influence, or if they deem someone a safety risk. This prevents the chance of potential incidents onboard, or creating unnecessary diversions or delays due to inappropriate inflight behavior. Gate agents are well-trained to spot signs of intoxication, which can include stumbling, slurring, or erratic behavior. Also, sensing strong smells of alcohol or becoming overly argumentative are all reasons that passengers can be denied boarding for allegedly being under the influence.

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Perth International Airport (PER)

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Perth International Airport is the busiest airport in Western Australia, and Australia’s fourth-busiest airport after Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, Melbourne Airport and Brisbane Airport. The airport is located approximately six miles (ten km) from the city’s central business district.

The airport welcomes more than 30 domestic and international airlines connecting to all major Australian cities, with a growing network of international destinations. The airport is connected to Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe by many of the world’s leading airlines. International routes listed below:

Australia’s Bureau of Transport & Infrastructure Research Economics identifies the airports’ busiest routes for the year to June 2025 as Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Adelaide, while its top international routes are to Singapore Changi Airport, Denpasar (Bali), Kuala Lumpur, and Dubai International Airport.