An Australian Qantas flight en route from Sydney to Japan was diverted to Cairns on Monday night due to a drunk passenger, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) said on Tuesday.

The 34-year-old man, who allegedly tried to smoke a cigarette on the plane before punching and spitting at crew members, was forcibly removed from the flight.

The AFP said the flight captain made the decision to divert the flight to Cairns Airport because of the man's violent behavior.

The man was arrested by AFP officers at the airport.

AFP Assistant Commissioner Shane Connelly has urged traveling passengers to behave appropriately on an aircraft.

"Violent and disorderly behavior occurring both on-board aircraft and at airports will not be tolerated," Connelly said in a statement.

"Enough is enough. An aircraft captain and co-pilot can ill- afford to be distracted from their duties of safely flying an aircraft by having to deal with drunk, violent or disorderly passengers."

The AFP responded to more than 1,000 alcohol-related incidents at the 10 major airports during the 2011-12 financial year.

Out of those incidents, 145 apprehensions were made for various offenses relating to offensive and disorderly behavior and excessive alcohol consumption.

The AFP said the plane was forced to dump its fuel load when it was diverted to Cairns and the airline would seek to recover significant costs.

The man was due to face Cairns Magistrate Court on Tuesday. Endi

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