Man charged over alleged bomb threat on flight at Sydney Airport
A man has been charged after allegedly making a bomb threat on board a flight from Sydney to Malaysia.
The Montenegro man, 44, will appear before court today charged with threatening aviation security following the incident at Sydney Airport on Sunday, June 21.
The man was on board a Turkish Airlines flight. Getty Images
It is alleged that the man was questioned by a flight crew member on a Turkish Airlines flight from Sydney to Kuala Lumpur about a piece of electrical equipment he was holding as the plane was preparing for take-off.
The man then allegedly claimed he had a bomb in his possession.
The pilot returned the plane to the gate to remove the man from the aircraft.
He informed police the item appeared to be a wireless phone charger. However, officers told flight crew to relocate passengers seated near the man as a precaution.
Police arrested the man and escorted him off the plane.
He was charged with one count of threatening aviation security.
The offence carries a maximum penalty of a $10,500 fine.
Police warned that making false bomb threats or jokes about explosives is a “serious issue” and would be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
The plane was ready for take-off at Sydney Airport. iStock
“Airports operate under strict security protocols to keep passengers, staff and airline crew safe, and any comment suggesting the presence of a bomb or explosive device will be treated seriously,” Copelin said.
“What some people may consider a joke can cause significant disruption, trigger emergency responses and divert security resources away from genuine threats.
“Making a false claim about a bomb is not a prank – it is a criminal matter that can result in prosecution and substantial penalties.”
The man is expected to appear before Downing Centre Local Court today.
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