And finally… fuel on the fire
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An unruly passenger whose behaviour forced his plane to divert has been ordered to repay the airline for the additional fuel costs.
In an unusual move, a court in Perth, Australia ruled that the 33-year-old man should pay $8,630 AUD (around €5,200 or £4,400) to the airline to cover fuel costs in addition to his fine of $9,000 AUD (around €5,450 or £4,600).
The Australian Federal Police said the man’s behaviour on board a flight from Perth to Sydney in September 2023 caused the flight to return to Perth – requiring the pilot to dump excess fuel before landing.
The man, who has not been named, admitted two offences under civil aviation laws at Perth Magistrates’ Court earlier this month.
Shona Davis, acting superintendent of the AFP, said: “This incident should serve as a warning that criminal behaviour on board can come at a heavy cost to the offender.
“It’s far simpler to obey the directions of airline staff than cause unnecessary issues, which can end up hitting you in the hip pocket.”
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