'Zero tolerance': Jetstar flight diverted after passenger outburst

A Jetstar flight bound for Thailand has been forced to divert after a woman allegedly began verbally abusing passengers and crew mid-air.

The flight, JQ17, which departed Melbourne for Phuket on April 12, was redirected to Perth, where Australian Federal Police officers boarded the aircraft and removed the 37-year-old after she refused to disembark.

Police allege the woman behaved erratically during the flight before escalating to verbal abuse directed at both passengers and cabin crew.

She has been charged with behaving in an offensive and disorderly manner that endangered safety on an aircraft, which carries a maximum penalty of a $16,500 fine.

The woman appeared in Perth court on April 12 and is due to return on May 11.

AFP acting Superintendent Peter Brindal said abusive or anti-social behaviour would not be tolerated on flights.

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