Flight from Brisbane to Denpasar forced to divert to Darwin

VIRGIN AUSTRALIA BOEING 737-8FE VH-YIG (MSN 38711)

Three Brisbane men are facing heavy fines after allegedly drinking duty-free alcohol and vaping on board a Virgin Australia flight from Brisbane (BNE/YBBN) to Denpasar (DPS/WADD), which had to be diverted to Darwin (DRW/YPDN) over concerns about their behaviour.
Last Friday, VA45 was due to depart at 9.45am but was heavily delayed, not getting away until 12.55pm. 

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) said two 20-year-old men from Sheldon and Wellington Point and a 42-year-old East Brisbane man allegedly became intoxicated during the flight and were asked to move out of their exit row seats, as the crew was concerned, they would not be able to assist in an emergency.

The men allegedly initially refused to move, but eventually relocated seats.

Police allege the men proceeded to drink duty-free alcohol they'd purchased earlier and became increasingly disruptive, with one passenger allegedly vaping in their seat.

"Three hours into the flight, around 4pm Brisbane time, the captain made the decision to divert the flight to Darwin, over concerns the group's behaviour may escalate further," the AFP said in a statement.

"The aircraft landed in Darwin and AFP officers entered the cabin and escorted the three males from the flight without incident just after 4pm. (Darwin is 30 minutes behind Brisbane)

"The aircraft then continued its journey to Denpasar following the diversion to Darwin to offload the passengers."