Man arrested over alleged bomb hoax on Turkish Airlines flight from Sydney to Kuala Kumpur
Police boarded a flight shortly before it was due to take-off after a passenger holding a piece of electrical equipment allegedly declared he had a bomb.
A man is due to face court after allegedly claiming he had a bomb as a plane bound for Malaysia was preparing for take-off at one of Australia’s busiest airports.
On Sunday, AFP officers at Sydney Airport responded to the alleged bomb threat, arresting a man on board a Turkish Airlines flight from Sydney to Kuala Lumpur.
The plane was on the taxiway preparing for take-off when a crew member questioned the man about electrical equipment he was holding.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The passenger allegedly responded that he had a bomb.
The captain told police the item appeared to be a wireless phone charger.
Passengers seated near the man were relocated as a precaution, before police boarded the plane and made the arrest.
The 44-year-old Montenegro national is expected to appear in court on Tuesday, charged with threatening aviation security.
AFP Detective Superintendent Davina Copelin said bomb threats are always incredibly serious.
“What some people may consider a joke can cause significant disruption, trigger emergency responses and divert security resources away from genuine threats, Det Supt Copelin said.
“Making a false claim about a bomb is not a prank, it is a criminal matter that can result in prosecution and substantial penalties.”
This offence carries a maximum penalty of a $10,500 fine.
