A woman has been formally charged with assault following an alleged incident where she grabbed an airline staff member by the head and arm during preparations for takeoff on a domestic flight. The altercation, which resulted in minor injuries for the cabin crew member, has led to serious legal repercussions for the accused.
Details of the Alleged Assault
Millie Jepkemboi Omonei, a 52-year-old resident of the ACT, was apprehended after Australian Federal Police officers boarded her Canberra-to-Perth flight upon its landing on December 13, 2025. It is alleged that Omonei had been behaving erratically towards another passenger when a crew member attempted to perform a welfare check on her.
Escalation and Injuries
Officers allege that at this point, Omonei forcibly grabbed the arm and head of the cabin crew member. This physical altercation allegedly resulted in minor injuries for the staff member, highlighting the risks faced by airline personnel during in-flight disturbances.
Post-Landing Confrontation and Legal Proceedings
After the flight landed in Perth, Omonei was escorted off the plane by members of the AFP. Reports indicate that she was allegedly argumentative and aggressive towards the officers during this process. She initially appeared in court on December 14, 2025, to face the charges brought against her.
Charges and Future Court Date
Omonei has been charged with one count of assaulting the crew of an aircraft and one count of behaving in an offensive and disorderly manner in aircrafts. These charges underscore the legal seriousness of such incidents in aviation. She is next due to appear in the Perth Magistrates Court on February 20, where the case will proceed further.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of passenger conduct and the protections in place for airline staff, with authorities taking swift action to address alleged misconduct during flights.
