Kiwi handcuffed and removed from Air NZ flight

Australian Federal Police (AFP) have released footage of a passenger being removed from a diverted Air New Zealand flight. The man is seen being led away in handcuffs at Melbourne Airport and is being charged with allegedly assaulting a crew member. The 23-year-old passenger, who is a New Zealand citizen, was allegedly intoxicated. The flight attendant suffered “a slight injury”, according to the AFP. Flight NZ176 had left Perth shortly before 8pm (local time) on Tuesday, and was due in Auckland at 7.15am on Wednesday before being diverted to Melbourne. AFP Detective Superintendent Stephen Cook said the incident caused the flight to be delayed. “Any violence or anti-social behaviour in a confined space in the air would be distressing for other passengers and crew. At the very least, in this alleged incident it disrupted everyone’s travel plans,” Cook said. “Anti-social behaviour during a flight can pose a direct threat to the safety of the aircraft that is taken seriously by airlines and the AFP.” The man is expected to appear in Broadmeadows Magistrates Court on Thursday. The offence carries a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment.<br/>