Sydney Airport Incident: Man Charged After Alleged Assault on AFP Officer
A Sydney man has been charged following an alleged assault on an Australian Federal Police (AFP) officer at Sydney Airport, in an incident that has prompted renewed warnings about violent behaviour in airport precincts.
Police allege that on 27 April 2026, AFP officers were called to conduct a welfare check after a 30-year-old man was found sleeping inside a car park toilet at the airport. When officers approached him, he allegedly became aggressive and refused to provide his personal details.
Authorities say the situation escalated when the man attempted to walk away despite police instructions to stop. After being detained, he allegedly tried to strike officers and hit an AFP officer on the side of the head.
The man was arrested and charged with multiple offences under Commonwealth law, including causing harm to a Commonwealth public official, threatening harm to a Commonwealth public official, obstructing a Commonwealth public official, and failing to comply with airport stop and direction powers.
The most serious charge, causing harm to a Commonwealth public official, carries a maximum penalty of up to 13 years’ imprisonment.
He has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to reappear in court in June 2026.
AFP Sydney Airport Police Commander Detective Superintendent Davina Copelin said authorities maintain a strict stance against disruptive and violent behaviour in airport environments.
“There is zero tolerance for antisocial or violent conduct at our airports,” she said. “We will take firm action to ensure the safety of officers, staff, and the travelling public.”
Police say the AFP continues to maintain a strong presence at major airports to ensure public safety and manage security risks within the precinct.
