Dancing in the aisle: allegedly drunk passenger causes plane to abort take-off

The 50-year-old New Zealand woman is set to face Downing Centre Local Court on September 3 for her allegedly aggressive and obstructive behaviour on a flight from Sydney to Queenstown in July 2025.

Cabin staff said the woman was allegedly drunk, ignored safety instructions, swore at crew members, and danced in the aisle while the plane was taxiing for take-off.

When the pilot called Australian Federal Police officers to remove her from the plane, she was "argumentative and non-compliant", police said.

She was released from police custody after officers removed her from the plane, which continued to its destination.

The woman returned to New Zealand the following day, police said.

AFP Detective Acting Inspector Trevor Robinson said drunk, disruptive passengers "will be removed from their flight".

"The alleged behaviour of this woman risked the safety of herself, passengers and crew, and in this case caused a delayed takeoff, which inconveniences everyone on board," he said.

"Anyone misbehaving on a flight and not cooperating with law enforcement isn't just spoiling their trip, but they are potentially ruining the travel plans of hundreds of other people.

"They also face the possibility of a criminal conviction on their record for life."

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The woman was given a court attendance notice for not complying with the cabin crew's safety instructions and obstructing, hindering, intimidating or resisting a Commonwealth official.

The maximum penalties for these crimes include two years' imprisonment and a $16,500 fine.