Drunk British traveller who allegedly pushed and injured airline staff at Changi Airport to be charged

A 25-year-old male British traveller will be charged in court on Wednesday (Aug 12) for alleged multiple offences at a boarding gate at Changi Airport, including causing injury to the staff.

Police said in a news release on Tuesday that they received a call regarding a passenger causing nuisance at a boarding gate in Changi Airport Terminal 1 at about 4.05pm on July 20.

The traveller, who was believed to be drunk, was talking and shouting loudly while at the boarding gate for a flight to Kuala Lumpur.

As his actions caused annoyance to other passengers, two airline staff approached him, but he allegedly reacted angrily and directed vulgarities at one of the staff.

The airline then decided to offload him from the flight.

After being informed of the decision, he allegedly started behaving aggressively and pushed past the staff in an attempt to board the aircraft.

This caused the staff, who was trying to stop him, to fall to the ground, thereby suffering injuries to her left arm and wrist.

His actions also constituted an unauthorised entry to a protected area of the airport.

Airport security staff who arrived and tried to calm him down also had vulgarities directed at them. He also allegedly behaved aggressively, the police said.

The flight was eventually delayed for 45 minutes.

He will be charged with causing annoyance while intoxicated in a public place; using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour; and, unauthorised entry to a protected place.

Police also reminded travellers that they take disruptive behaviour at Changi Airport seriously.

"The safe and smooth operation of security and boarding processes at a major international hub such as Changi Airport relies on all passengers respecting and complying with the lawful directions of airport authorities at all times," the police said.

They added that firm action will be taken against those who act irresponsibly and undermine these processes or compromise the safety of other travellers.

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editor@asiaone.com