An Indian national has been charged in Australia over the alleged sexual assault of a woman on board a flight travelling to Perth, according to Australian media reports.
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The incident reportedly occurred on Monday on a flight operated from Singapore to Perth, where a 52-year-old passenger is accused of committing non-consensual sexual acts against a woman seated beside him.
Australian Federal Police (Australian Federal Police) and Western Australia Police confirmed that the woman raised an alarm during the flight, after which airline staff intervened and moved her to another seat. Authorities said the suspect was monitored for the remainder of the journey and police were alerted before landing.
Upon arrival at Perth Airport, the man was escorted off the aircraft and taken into custody. He has been charged with one count of sexual intercourse without consent and three counts of an act of indecency without consent, according to media reports.
The accused is currently being held in remand and is expected to appear in court on Friday. The investigation is being conducted jointly by the AFP and Western Australia Police.
AFP Acting Superintendent Peter Brindal stated that there is “zero tolerance” for criminal behaviour on aircraft or within Australian airports. He emphasised that all passengers have the right to feel safe during air travel, particularly in confined spaces.
Authorities also encouraged passengers who experience unwanted contact to immediately alert airline staff, airport security, or law enforcement as soon as it is safe to do so.
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The case follows previous incidents involving air travel misconduct, highlighting ongoing concerns about passenger safety and enforcement of aviation security laws.