The captain asked crew and fellow passengers to intervene after she allegedly consumed her own alcohol on board and became abusive.
Australian Federal Police officers escorted the 44-year-old off the flight when it landed early this morning.
“Two passengers on board the flight identified themselves as off-duty first responders and assisted the cabin crew,” AFP said in a statement.
“The flight’s captain then authorised the use of on-board restraints to de-escalate the situation, which were removed when AFP members attended at the gate in Melbourne.”
AFP Acting Superintendent Amanda Glover said they had no tolerance for antisocial, violent or dangerous behaviours on flights and they would be investigating.
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“It would be frightening for anyone being confined in an enclosed space with someone who is behaving aggressively,” Glover said.
“The brave actions of the two fellow passengers who assisted in containing this situation is commended.
“The AFP is committed to delivering robust Aviation security arrangements which ensure the safety of the travelling public.”
The Mareeba woman will be issued with an infringement for behaving in an offensive and disorderly manner on an aircraft.
The maximum fine is 50 penalty units totalling $13,750.
