Victoria Police have launched an investigation into an incident at Avalon Airport, Melbourne, after a 17-year-old allegedly boarded a Jetstar flight carrying a shotgun and ammunition.
A Disturbing Breach of Security at Avalon Airport
On Thursday, March 6, 2025, Victoria police were called to Avalon Airport, located outside Melbourne, after a 17-year-old male allegedly boarded a Jetstar flight with a shotgun and ammunition. The incident occurred at approximately 2:50 PM, triggering a tense situation for the 160 passengers on board. However, the actions of a few brave passengers prevented what could have been a much more dangerous situation.
According to reports, the teenager, dressed in high-visibility clothing, entered the airport through a breach in the facility’s security fence. Initially thought to be a maintenance worker, the teen proceeded to board the flight. Once inside the plane, passengers noticed he was carrying a firearm, prompting a quick and dramatic response.
Passengers Detain Teenager Before Police Arrive
As the teenager made his way to the front of the plane, several passengers reacted swiftly. Victoria Police Superintendent Michael Reid confirmed that three passengers overpowered the suspect. The plane was on the tarmac, preparing for its flight to Sydney, when passengers observed the teen armed with a shotgun.
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Reid emphasized the bravery of the passengers, commending their quick thinking in subduing the teenager. “As he’s approached the plane, passengers have identified the male was carrying a firearm,” Reid said. “The male was overpowered by at least three of the passengers. Shortly afterward, police arrived and took the male into custody.”
No injuries were reported in the incident, which could have escalated further if not for the timely intervention of the passengers.
A High-Pressure Situation on Board
One of the passengers who played a key role in detaining the suspect was Barry Clark, who was seated in the first row of the cabin. Clark explained that he initially saw a commotion and realized something was wrong when the teen became agitated. “The lovely air hostess was just questioning this bloke trying to come on dressed up as a worker,” Clark told ABC Radio. “He got agitated, and before we knew it, a shotgun appeared.”
Clark took immediate action to protect fellow passengers. “All I could do was push [the flight attendant] out of the way, get the gun out of the way, break that, throw it down the stairs, and then put him in a hold and throw him to the ground until the police came,” he said. Clark further explained that the teen appeared “perfectly dressed for the job,” looking like a technician.
Having been raised in a sporting family, Clark said he felt confident he could handle the situation. “You don’t think, you act. I’ve been taught from a boy to be responsible and look after others,” Clark stated. “So, you just gotta do what you gotta do.”
Airport Locked Down After Incident
Once the teenager was detained, the flight was canceled, and the airport was placed under lockdown. Kim McLeod, a passenger on the flight, was traveling for work but found herself stranded at the airport after the incident. She described the moment when the pilot informed passengers of the situation: “The pilot eventually got on the announcer and said that somebody had boarded the plane with a large gun.”
McLeod explained that the individual had posed as a maintenance worker to gain access to the plane, which raised significant security concerns. “Suspicion was raised after the crew had been told maintenance checks had been completed, but the person dressed as a maintenance worker was onboard,” she told Guardian Australia.
Jetstar and Police Investigate the Incident
The police investigation into the incident is still ongoing, with authorities working to understand how the teenager managed to breach security and board the flight with a weapon. Superintendent Reid expressed concern over the apparent security lapse, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation: “It’s very concerning that a person can firstly breach security, approach an aircraft, and make his way potentially close to being inside an aircraft with a firearm.”
While authorities have confirmed that ammunition was found along with the shotgun, Reid declined to comment on additional items allegedly discovered, including knives and petrol. The police have also confirmed that the gun’s registration status has not yet been determined.
Avalon Airport Closes for Investigation
In response to the incident, Avalon Airport, which is Melbourne’s second busiest airport, was temporarily closed to visitors. Ari Suss, CEO of Avalon Airport, confirmed that operations were paused while the investigation took place. Passengers who were on the flight were later informed that their luggage would be delivered to them at a later time.
Jetstar, the only airline that operates commercial flights at Avalon, issued a statement expressing their concern over the security breach. “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,” a spokesperson said. “The safety of our passengers and crew is our number one priority, and we can confirm there are no reported injuries.”
Investigation Continues
As the investigation continues, authorities have already located the teenager’s vehicle and are working with counter-terrorism teams to determine his intentions and whether any further threats may exist. While the teenager was not previously known to the police, he remains in custody, though no charges have yet been filed.
This incident highlights the importance of airport security and the vigilance of passengers and staff in maintaining safety in high-pressure situations. It also underscores the potential risks involved in commercial air travel, especially when security measures are breached.
Conclusion: A Brave Response to a Dangerous Situation
The actions of the passengers who helped detain the teenager on Jetstar flight JQ 610 undoubtedly prevented what could have been a tragic incident. Their quick thinking and bravery in the face of danger saved lives, and the authorities are commending their efforts.
As the investigation unfolds, the public will be waiting for further details about how the suspect managed to infiltrate the airport and board the plane. This alarming security breach is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in the aviation industry and the need for constant vigilance in protecting passengers and crew.
