AUSTRALIAN Federal Police patrols will be highly visible at major airports during the holiday season to help passengers travel safely and without unnecessary delay.
The patrols come as airports brace for a record-setting holiday travel season.
According to the Australian Airports Association, the country’s busiest major airports are expected to welcome more than 23.4 million domestic and international passengers across December and January.
AFP Acting Aviation Commander Josh Sinclair-Wadham said more than 500 airport uniformed policing members deployed at the AFP’s nine designed airports, would be conducting high visibility policing operations during the peak travel period.
“As passenger numbers continue to increase during the holiday period, the AFP will continue to surge to meet this requirement and deliver on our protection obligations at AFP-designated airports,” he said.
It comes in a year in which AFP members have dedicated significant resources to aviation prevention and deterrence initiatives.
The AFP has spent a combined 130,936 hours undertaking proactive operations in 2025, a 28 per cent increase on the same period in 2024.
Additionally, the AFP has responded to more than 21,000 incidents at airports since January 2025.
Mr Sinclair-Wadham said 1160 people this year had been charged with 1364 offences, including drug-related offences, acts of violence and theft.
“The AFP remains committed to working closely with airports, airlines and security partners to ensure a safe travel experience for all Australians,” he said.
Police patrols are targeting intoxication, offensive and disruptive behaviour, as well as the possession of prohibited items such as illicit drugs and weapons.
The proactive policing effort is also bolstered through AFP’s specialist units, including the national canine capability and short barrel rifle teams.
“Times when we have more passengers than usual passing through our airports, combined with potentially longer waiting periods, is when we can see an increase in disruptive or anti-social behaviour,” Mr Sinclair-Wadham said.
“The AFP is encouraging the travelling public to be patient with unexpected delays and follow advice from airlines and airports.
“This year we have seen examples of unacceptable behaviour by travellers on aircraft and at airports, and people who engage in this behaviour should take note. Anyone who breaks the law will be dealt with swiftly and will be brought before the courts.”
Australian Border Force Travel East Acting Commander Geoff Quinn said officers had surged into airports across Australia to support the increased volume of travellers coming in and out of the country.
“During this peak holiday period, tens of thousands of passengers arrive and depart Australia every single day. As you can appreciate, this sheer volume of travellers means some delays are inevitable,” he said.
“We stand shoulder to shoulder with our federal counterparts and all our airport partners in stamping out antisocial behaviour at our airports – officers should be able to go about their duties without a barrage of abuse.
“If things take a little longer than usual, please be patient and understanding with our officers; they’re working hard to get you on your way.
“We urge everyone to factor in some extra time getting to and from the airport, as traffic congestion around the airport precincts can also cause additional stress at passport control.
“In saying all this, we also want to remind passengers our attention does not waiver when it comes to monitoring any suspicious passengers or threats – those trying to sneak in presents with illicit goods inside won’t bypass our officers.”
The AFP encourages the public to call Airport Watch on 131 237 if they see or hear something unusual while travelling through Australia’s major airports.
Airport Watch plays an important role within aviation security. It delivers critical information to the AFP to enhance the detection and resolution of suspicious or criminal activity at airports.
