17-year-old arrested for breaching Avalon Airport security with a loaded shotgun.
A JetStar A321 in Sydney (Photo | AirlineGeeks | Hisham Qadri)
A 17-year-old male was apprehended by authorities at Avalon Airport in Victoria, Australia on Thursday after attempting to board a Jetstar flight to Sydney while armed with a loaded shotgun, The Guardian reported.
According to Victoria Police, the teenager breached the airport’s perimeter by climbing through a hole in the fence. Dressed as a maintenance worker, he approached the aircraft and attempted to ascend the front stairs leading into the cabin. The Jetstar flight was preparing for departure with approximately 150 passengers on board.
Police arrived and took the teenager into custody. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew members. The identity of the suspect has not been disclosed due to his minor status.
The breach has prompted an immediate review of security measures at Avalon Airport. A Jetstar spokesperson issued a statement regarding the incident, saying: “We’re aware of a security incident at Avalon airport this afternoon and are working with police and the airport to urgently understand what has occurred. The safety of our passengers and crew is our number one priority and we can confirm there are no reported injuries.”
Ari Suss, CEO of Avalon Airport, addressed the incident in a press statement:
“We are deeply concerned about the security breach that occurred today. An individual, disguised as a maintenance worker, managed to access the tarmac and attempted to board a Jetstar aircraft with a firearm. This incident is currently under thorough investigation, and we are working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure such an event does not happen again.”
Victoria Police have launched an investigation into the incident, focusing on how the teenager managed to breach airport security and the motive behind his actions. Police confirmed that the teenager was carrying a loaded shotgun and additional ammunition at the time of his arrest. Authorities are also investigating whether he acted alone or had assistance in breaching airport security.
The airport remained closed for several hours following the incident to allow for a detailed security sweep and assessment. Flights were delayed or redirected during this period, but operations have since resumed.
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