AFP Boosts Airport Security with Over Five Hundred Officers to Safeguard Twenty-Three Million Travellers This Holiday Season

As Australia braces for a record-breaking holiday travel season, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) has ramped up efforts to ensure safety and smooth travel through the country’s busiest airports. With over 23.4 million domestic and international passengers expected to pass through major Australian airports during the peak months of December and January, the AFP will be deploying over 500 uniformed officers to patrol and provide visible support at nine major airports.

Enhanced Security for the Holiday Rush

The AFP’s increased presence at airports aims to deliver a secure and efficient travel experience, particularly as passenger numbers continue to rise during the holiday period. Acting Aviation Commander Josh Sinclair-Wadham emphasized that the AFP is committed to meeting the security needs of the growing number of travellers. As a result, the AFP has expanded its efforts in proactive operations, with an additional focus on high visibility policing during the peak travel season.

In a year of considerable growth for the AFP, the service has spent more than 130,936 hours on proactive operations in 2025, a 28% increase from 2024. This commitment to ensuring airport safety is demonstrated by the response to over 21,000 incidents since the beginning of the year. In addition, 1160 people have been charged with 1364 offences, including drug-related crimes, violence, and theft, reflecting the AFP’s proactive stance on ensuring passenger safety.

Targeting Disruptive and Dangerous Behaviour

The AFP has made it clear that its policing efforts will focus on maintaining a safe environment, particularly during high-traffic periods when disruptive behaviour can spike. Patrolling officers will be actively targeting intoxication, disruptive actions, and the possession of prohibited items, such as illicit drugs and weapons, which can cause major safety concerns at the airport.

Acting Commander Sinclair-Wadham noted that increased numbers of passengers combined with longer waiting times can sometimes lead to frustration, which may result in more instances of anti-social behaviour. The AFP is taking extra measures by utilizing specialized units like the national canine teams and short-barrel rifle squads to reinforce security at airports during this busy period.

A Joint Effort to Combat Antisocial Behaviour

The AFP has partnered with the Australian Border Force (ABF) to manage the overwhelming volume of travellers during the holiday season. Acting Commander Geoff Quinn from the ABF highlighted that the sheer volume of passengers entering and leaving Australia daily could lead to inevitable delays, but he urged passengers to be patient and respectful towards officers working to manage the flow of travellers.

Quinn emphasized the need for cooperation between passengers and airport staff, as both AFP and ABF officers work to handle the large number of inbound and outbound passengers. He also addressed the challenges caused by traffic congestion around airport precincts, suggesting that additional travel time should be factored into plans to ensure smoother transitions through passport control and security checks.

In addition to managing delays, the AFP remains vigilant in monitoring suspicious passengers or any potential threats. The AFP has reminded travellers that attempts to bring in illicit goods, such as drugs hidden in gifts, will not go unnoticed by their trained security teams.

Supporting a Safe and Efficient Airport Experience

The AFP is committed to working closely with airport authorities, airlines, and security partners to ensure that every passenger has a safe, smooth, and efficient experience. Through this collaborative effort, the AFP hopes to make the holiday travel experience as seamless as possible, despite the inevitable challenges posed by large crowds and lengthy queues.

Sinclair-Wadham also made it clear that while airports may experience delays, the AFP will continue to work tirelessly to manage any potential issues, ensuring that passengers can safely and swiftly make their way through the airport. The focus remains on enhancing the traveller’s experience while upholding strict security measures to protect passengers, staff, and airport property.

Reporting Suspicious Activity

The AFP is also calling on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or unusual activity through the Airport Watch program. This initiative is a key tool in the AFP’s proactive policing strategy, helping detect and resolve criminal or suspicious behaviour at airports. Passengers who notice any strange behaviour, such as individuals acting unusually or attempting to access restricted areas, are encouraged to report these actions by calling 131 237.

Suspicious activities could include someone showing an unusual interest in security procedures, taking photos in restricted areas, or asking odd questions about airport operations. By working together, the public and the AFP can help keep airports safe and secure during one of the busiest times of the year.

Conclusion

With the holiday season bringing an unprecedented number of passengers through Australia’s busiest airports, the AFP has significantly increased its presence to ensure safety and security. By deploying more than 500 officers to key airports, the AFP aims to manage the anticipated surge in travellers, focusing on high-visibility policing and proactive measures to deter disruptive behaviour.

As airports brace for record travel numbers, the AFP’s ongoing commitment to protecting travellers and working closely with partners will help ensure that this busy holiday period remains safe, secure, and as smooth as possible for everyone. With the holiday rush in full swing, passengers are encouraged to be patient and follow the advice provided by both airlines and airport staff.

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