Man faces charges after disturbance on Rex Airlines flight from Perth to Albany; alleged threats made to pilot

A 42-year-old man has been charged with two offences after allegedly abusing the pilot and crew during and after a flight to Albany from Perth. The passenger has been charged with making a threat to unlawfully do an act, and disorderly behaviour in a public place after an incident last Thursday, which is said to have spilled from the aircraft and into the terminal of the Albany Regional Airport. He is due to appear in Albany Magistrates Court on Tuesday. The Rex Airlines flight from Perth landed safely last Thursday afternoon, but the return trip was cancelled after police took statements from passengers and crew who had seen the drama. Police said the incident did not involve injuries or physical assault, and the man was not from Albany but was visiting friends or family. A police spokesperson said it was alleged the man had caused problems for flight attendants, refusing to return to his seat and being abusive when asked to sit down. On landing, he then made threats to the pilot, according to the charges. A City of Albany statement said it provided and maintained the airport, but did not make decisions regarding flight services.