Brawling Port Hedland Airport drunks refuse to wear masks, delay 139-passenger flight from take-off

Six “drunk as skunks” men who refused to wear face masks, brawled and threatened staff, delayed a plane from taking off in the latest escalation of booze-fuelled drama at Port Hedland airport. On Sunday, February 28, six men arrived for the final evening flight at Port Hedland International Airport in a state of intoxication, refused to wear mandatory face masks and left baggage and belongings in the terminal. After passing security, they attempted to purchase alcohol at the airport cafe but were refused service. They subsequently threatened staff and ended up in a brawl with each other resulting in paramedics and police being called. One man was taken to Hedland Health Campus to treat injuries sustained in the confrontation. Police instructed three of the men, who were refused boarding, to leave the premises. Two other men were initially allowed to fly but were later removed from the aircraft before take-off at the captain’s instruction. PHIA general manager Rod Evans said he was concerned about the safety of his staff and warned that the threats had to stop. “It happens and it continues to happen. These people just get drunk and they just think they are entitled,” he said. “They just don’t care. Well we do, we care about the safety of all our airport staff and I'm concerned that somebody is going to get hurt. “Everybody has a right to get home from work safely.” The men were barred from flying for 24 hours. Port Hedland officer-in-charge Sen. Sgt Steve Cleal said police were cracking down on grog-fuelled behaviour. “There are consequences for these actions now,” he said. “There is no way we are letting people behave that way and letting them into a little confined space in the air. “The days of getting absolutely smashed and getting on a plane are gone.”