A 17-year-old boy allegedly boarded a Jetstar flight at Avalon Airport armed with a long-arm firearm and ammunition. Court documents revealed he told passengers, “I’ve got bombs in my bag.”
Authorities said the teenager climbed through a hole in the airport’s security fence before walking to the aircraft. The flight, bound for Sydney, carried about 150 passengers.
The incident raised questions about airport security measures. Avalon Airport, which does not have a permanent police presence, relies on its owners and operators for passenger screening and perimeter security.
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Passengers and Crew Overpower the Teen
Passengers and crew overpowered the teenager moments after he attempted to board the flight. Echuca-Moama farmer and former boxer Barry Clark tackled him to the ground.
Clark noticed a shotgun barrel while the teenager spoke to a flight attendant. He assisted the pilot and other passengers in restraining the boy and threw the firearm down the aircraft stairs.
Figure 1: Jetstar passenger Barry Clark (centre) and a pilot wrestle the armed teen to the floor of the plane. [NINE NEWS]
Authorities later confirmed the teenager also carried a fake homemade explosive, designed to resemble a real device.
Police Respond to the Security Breach
Victoria Police responded to the incident from the nearby town of Lara, approximately nine kilometres from Avalon Airport.
Superintendent Michael Reid confirmed officers arrested the teenager after passengers restrained him.
Teen Faces Multiple Charges
The teenager appeared in a children’s court the next day, dressed in a white shirt and black pants.
Charge sheets listed offences, including:
- Unlawfully taking control of an aircraft
- Endangering the safety of an aircraft
- Carrying out a bomb hoax
- Possessing a firearm
- Stealing two 12-gauge shotguns and a rifle
- Driving unsupervised on a learner’s permit
When asked if he was applying for bail, the teenager replied, “No, I’m not.”
The court heard it was his first time in custody.
Avalon Airport Security Under Scrutiny
The security breach raised concerns about safety measures at Avalon Airport, Victoria’s second-largest airport.
Figure 2: Questions have been raised as to how the security breach occurred at Avalon Airport. [ABC News: Natasha Schapova]
Aviation security expert Ron Bartsch described the breach as unacceptable.
“Any passenger boarding a commercial jet aircraft in Australia is entitled to the same level of security, irrespective of what airport,” Bartsch said.
He added that sophisticated scanning systems become ineffective if someone can cut through a fence.
Avalon Airport CEO Ari Suss said the airport was working with police to understand what happened.
“There’ll be a time and a place for a thorough investigation,” Suss said.
Enhanced Security Measures Introduced
Avalon Airport increased security following the incident.
Suss announced additional security personnel at the terminal and surrounding areas.
“As part of our ongoing commitment to security, we have implemented further measures,” he said.
Victoria Police confirmed they are reviewing security policies at regional airports to prevent similar incidents.
Passenger Honoured for His Actions
Barry Clark received praise for helping subdue the teenager.
Clark said he acted instinctively when he saw the firearm.
“You don’t think, you act,” he said.
Avalon Airport awarded Clark free flights for life in recognition of his actions.
“He changed the course of history with what he did,” Suss said.
Figure 3: Passenger Barry Clark was hailed as a hero after overpowering the armed teenager.
Crew Training Acknowledged
The Flight Attendants’ Association of Australia commended the crew’s response.
Spokesperson Teri O’Toole highlighted their training in identifying unauthorised personnel.
“The crew are certainly trained to ensure that anyone dressed in maintenance, catering or official uniform has an ASIC,” O’Toole said.
Aviation experts called for stricter security checks and additional funding for smaller airports.
Next Court Appearance Set for March 21
The teenager remains in custody and will return to court on March 21.
Victoria Police confirmed investigations into how the security breach occurred are ongoing.
