Arrest after suspicious item triggers airport alarm
Allanah Sciberras |
A person has been detained at a major airport after a suspicious item was found during a security breach at a domestic terminal.
Police have confirmed a safety check is currently underway at Avalon Airport, southwest of Melbourne, after an item was found just after 6am on Thursday.
The airport has been partially evacuated and an area cordoned off as a precaution while investigations continue.
An Avalon Airport spokesperson told AAP a suspicious item was found during the screening process prompting a police response.
“Victoria Police attended and an individual has been detained. The matter is now being managed by police,” a spokesperson said.
“At this stage, passengers are being advised that, due to safety precautions, delays are expected. Passengers are advised to contact Jetstar regarding their flights.”
A flight to Brisbane has since been delayed, according to Lisa, who was due to fly out of the airport just before 9am.
She described the situation as “a bit of mayhem”, telling ABC Melbourne that “no one knew what was going on”.
“We knew something was fairly significant, lots of police cars going into the airport,” Lisa added.
The airport expects additional delays throughout the day.
AAP