Airport Security Scrutinized Following Alleged Bomb Threat
A teenager allegedly forced his way onto a plane with a shotgun, claiming to have a bag of explosives.
Airport security practices are under scrutiny after a teenage boy allegedly forced his way onto a plane with a shotgun, claiming to have bombs in his bag.
The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon with police claiming the 17-year-old climbed through a hole in a fence at Avalon Airport, near Geelong.
The boy allegedly made his way to a Jetstar plane that was flying to Sydney with 160 passengers on board.
Avlaw Aviation Consulting Chair Ron Bartsch described the situation as simply not acceptable.
“It makes a mockery of having sophisticated scanning and security systems if people can simply bypass it,” Bartsch told ABC Radio.
Avalon Airport Chief Executive Ari Suss said further security measures had been established, including within the terminal and the surrounding areas.
Police Investigation
Victoria Police crime squad investigators are working with Australian Federal Police (AFP) counter-terrorism personnel in the investigation.
Police allege the boy had stolen two shotguns and a rifle and that it could be inferred he intended to destroy, damage or endanger the safety of the aircraft, or kill or injure all or any of the persons on board.
The teenager has been charged with several offences, including unlawfully taking control of an aircraft, posing a threat to the safety of an aircraft, orchestrating a bomb hoax, and possessing a firearm.
He faced a children’s court on March 7 and will remain in custody until his next appearance on March 21.
Apprehending the Teenager
The teen allegedly attempted to climb the front stairs into the plane cabin but was overpowered by three civilians.
“Before we knew it, a shotgun appeared and I was worried about it being shot,” passenger Barry Clark told the ABC.
Clark tackled the teen while he was speaking to the flight attendant.
“All I could do was push her out of the way, get the gun out of the way, break that gun and throw it down the stairs, and then put him in a hold, throw him to the ground until the police came,” he said.
The parents of Sydney Swans star Jake Lloyd were flying to Sydney with Clark to celebrate Lloyd’s 250th game against Geelong on Friday.
Lloyd offered his thoughts to everyone on board during the incident.
“It sounds like there were some incredibly brave actions from Barry and others to keep everyone safe,” he said in a statement.
“I’m grateful that my parents are OK.”
Victoria Police Superintendent Michael Reid said this would have been a terrifying incident for the passengers and Victoria Police commend the bravery of the individuals who overpowered the male.
Jetstar Chief Executive Stephanie Tully praised the pilot and cabin manager who helped apprehend the teenager.
“They’re trained to do this, but it doesn’t stop these efforts being heroic,” she said.
