A 25-year-old British man is set to appear in court after allegedly causing a disturbance at Changi Airport while intoxicated and pushing past airline staff when he was stopped from boarding his flight.
The incident took place on July 20 at around 4.05pm at a boarding gate in Terminal 1, according to the Singapore Police Force.
The man was reportedly waiting for a flight to Kuala Lumpur when he began speaking and shouting loudly, allegedly disturbing other passengers at the gate.
Two airline staff members subsequently approached him. The man allegedly became angry and directed vulgarities at one of them.
Passenger allegedly pushed past airline staff
The airline subsequently decided to remove the man from the flight because he was believed to be intoxicated.
However, after being told that he would not be allowed to board, the man allegedly became aggressive and attempted to make his way onto the aircraft.
He allegedly pushed past airline staff who tried to stop him.
One staff member fell to the floor during the incident and suffered injuries to her left arm and wrist.
The man also allegedly entered a protected area within the airport without authorisation.
Airport security staff subsequently attempted to calm him down, but he allegedly continued behaving aggressively and directed more vulgarities at them.
His actions reportedly resulted in the flight being delayed by about 45 minutes.
Man faces multiple charges
The British national is expected to be charged in court on Aug. 12 with several offences.
These include allegedly causing annoyance while intoxicated in a public place, using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, and entering a protected place without authorisation.
If convicted of causing annoyance while intoxicated in a public place, an offender can face a fine of up to S$1,000, imprisonment of up to six months, or both.
The offence involving threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour carries a fine of up to S$5,000.
Unauthorised entry into a protected place carries a substantially heavier penalty, with offenders liable to a fine of up to S$20,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both.
Police warn against disruptive behaviour at Changi Airport
The police said they take a serious view of disruptive behaviour at Changi Airport, given its role as a major international aviation hub.
They stressed that passengers are expected to comply with lawful directions from airport authorities and staff during security and boarding procedures.
The authorities also warned that firm action would be taken against individuals whose behaviour disrupts airport operations or potentially compromises the safety of other travellers.
The case serves as a reminder that disruptive behaviour at an airport can have consequences beyond a missed or delayed flight, particularly when passengers allegedly ignore staff instructions or enter restricted areas.
The man is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.