A spokesman for Ansett Australia airline said discarded needles had been found in toilets and even in aircraft seat pockets, raising the risk that passengers could prick themselves and become infected.

"The big concern is the possibility that an Aids-infected drugs-user may drop a syringe which might raise the risk of somebody being accidentally pricked," said Peter Young.

"The chances are pretty remote, but we are not in the business of taking chances."

Mr Young said the main risk was to cleaning and maintenance staff.

Medical recommendation

Needle-stick injuries can transfer HIV

"It would have been wildly irresponsible to continue to allow our staff and customers to be at risk of being accidentally injured."

Ansett said the decision to install the bins in its fleet followed a recommendation by the Flight Attendants Association and consultations with health-care services.

It said that the bins were also intended for legitimate syringe users, such as diabetics.

The Australian Medical Association supported the airline's initiative: "Ansett has moved to protect the health and safety of its employees and passengers and deserves the public's support," said AMA president Dr David Brand.

The move has been criticised by the government-backed National Council on Drugs. "It's sending out a message of surrender, of tacit approval of drug abuse," said chairman Brian Watters.

"Where are we going to put them next - in every restaurant and every public place? God help us."

But the airline said it was responding to "a community trend" from which "aviation would appear to not be immune".