Plane diverted after man allegedly spat, shouted and refused to follow directions

A 46-year old man had to be restrained by crew after allegedly shouting, spitting on the floor and refusing to follow directions on a flight from India to Australia.

The man faces court over the alleged behaviour which saw the flight have to land in Darwin yesterday.

Police met the flight at Darwin Airport and removed the man from the plane before it was able to continue its journey to Sydney, the AFP said.

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The flight was delayed by two hours.

The AFP charged him with one count of offensive or disorderly behaviour on an aircraft resulting in the endangerment of the safety of an aircraft.

He faces a fine of $16,500.

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AFP Acting Inspector Simon Henderson said anti-social behaviour onboard a plane was "disrespectful and could be dangerous. "

"When flight crew have to respond to anti-social behaviour on an aircraft it takes them away from their regular duties, which includes ensuring the safety of the aircraft and the public onboard," a/Insp Henderson said.

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"It's also incredibly distressing and disruptive to other travellers to be trapped in a confined space with someone behaving badly.

The man is due to appear in Darwin Magistrates Court today.