The AFP on Monday said it would undertake “highly visible patrols” across designated airports with a “zero tolerance” attitude to poor behaviour.

The operation comes after 179 alleged offenders were charged with 248 offences at Canberra, Darwin, Cairns, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth airports so far in 2023/24, the agency said.

AFP Assistant Commissioner Alison Wegg said in a statement the agency had seen a lift in frustration by passengers at airports.

“Some of that is due to bad behaviour from intoxication, passengers who are not being patient or tolerant, and some is attributable to some travellers who are stressed because they are running late or ill-prepared,” she said.

“While holidays can be exciting, they can also be stressful.”

Ms Wegg urged those travelling this festive season to “be prepared, patient and polite at airports”.

“For this reason, we are asking the public to be patient, be mindful of their alcohol intake and to understand airports are much busier at this time of year,” she said.

AFP tips for travellers include saving time by checking in online or via an airline’s app, and using apps to check traffic conditions en-route to the airport to make sure there is enough time to arrive and check in luggage.

AFP