As travellers get ready to take to the skies, authorities are on high alert for suspicious activity

International borders are open, and domestic travel has increased amid the Christmas period.

However, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) remains on high alert at airports around the country.

Dubbed ‘Operation Sleigh’ officers will step up their patrols across nine Australian airports during the busy December and January holiday period.

“Airports are not nightclubs. Intoxicated individuals on flights or in the terminal can be charged. Passengers who are convicted of an act of violence at an airport or endangering the safety of an aircraft in flight face serious penalties,” said AFP Commander Gail McClure.

The alert follows an uptick in alleged offences at Australian airports in recent months.

The AFP has charged more than 360 alleged offenders with 520 offences this year.

Around 20,000 incidents have taken place at AFP-protected airports around Australia.

Ms McClure said officers will be targeting intoxicated and offensive travellers. Meanwhile, disruptive behaviour in the skies will also place travellers on Santa’s ‘naughty list’.

“It’s a very exciting time and there is plenty to celebrate following the pandemic and the lifting of international travel restrictions, however we want to remind everyone that the airport isn’t the place to continue your Christmas parties at,” she said.

Over 500 members operate within the Airport Uniform Police, Protection Operations Response Teams and Counter Terrorism First Response team across nine domestic airports.

In addition, 49 explosive detection dogs and 25 canines are capable of detecting cash, drugs, firearms and prohibited devices.

Sidone Thomas is the chief operations officer at Sydney Airport, who said the summer holiday period will be a busy time for all airports.

“We are excited to welcome passengers for what will be our biggest Christmas since 2019, and want to thank everyone in advance for their patience and for treating staff and fellow passengers with kindness and respect.”

Operation Sleigh will cover nine Australian airports, which have been named after one of Santa’s reindeers.

Canberra will be known as ‘Op Rudolf’, while Melbourne will take ‘Op Blitzen’.

The AFP encourages all travellers to remain on high alert and report any suspicious behaviour to authorities.