'Appalling conduct': Man charged with vaping on a plane, groping passenger

The 24-year-old man was flying from Melbourne to the Gold Coast on New Year's Eve 2024 when he was arrested at the Queensland airport.

Airline staff allege that the man was vaping into his jumper during the flight and inappropriately touched a female passenger when she returned from the bathroom.

The passenger reported the assault to airline staff and officers from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) were waiting for the plane when it arrived at Gold Coast Airport.

"This appalling conduct will never be tolerated by the AFP, and we will ensure individuals who engage in this kind of behaviour are held accountable for their actions," AFP Gold Coast Airport Commander Mark Yarrow said.

"This case is an example of how one person's inappropriate behaviour can have a direct impact on those around them," he said.

The 24-year-old was charged with one count each of an act of indecency without consent and smoking on an aircraft.

His case remains before Southport Magistrates Court. If convicted, he faces a maximum fine of $2500 for vaping and a maximum penalty of seven years' jail for committing an indecent act, police said.

"If you witness anyone doing the wrong thing, we urge you to call the AFP immediately on 131 AFP (131 237) and report it," Commander Yarrow said.