Woman accused of forcing international Jetstar flight to divert

A woman's alleged abusive behaviour aboard an international flight forced the plane to divert to Perth, where she was arrested.

The 37-year-old from Melbourne was yesterday charged with behaving in an offensive and disorderly manner that endangered safety on an aircraft.

Events began on Sunday when the flight departed Melbourne bound for Thailand.

LIVE UPDATES: US Navy blockade of Iranian ports begins

She allegedly began acting in an increasingly erratic manner before escalating to verbally abusing passengers and cabin crew.

The plane was forced to divert to Perth Airport where Australian Federal Police officers boarded and removed the woman after she failed to follow instructions to leave the plane.

AFP Acting Superintendent Peter Brindal slammed her alleged abusive behaviour towards crew and passengers.

"Any kind of aggressive or anti-social behaviour on a flight can pose a direct threat to the safety of the aircraft, and passengers onboard," he said.

READ MORE: Pope hits back at Trump's extraordinary attack

"The AFP works closely with the airline industry to intervene if anyone interferes with the safety of workers or the public in, or around, an airport, or on flights."

If found guilty, the woman faces a maximum fine of $16,500.

She is next due to appear in court on May 11.

NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.

• Download the 9NEWS App here via Apple and Google Play
• Make 9News your preferred source on Google by ticking this box here
• Sign up to our breaking newsletter here