Bomb threat reports at major airport
Written by admin on October 19, 2024
Dozens of emergency services crews are responding to a serious security issue, reported to be a bomb threat, on board a plane at Sydney Airport on Saturday night.
An Air New Zealand flight carrying 140 passengers from Wellington landed in Sydney around 5.40pm but remained parked on the tarmac after a safety issue was reported on board.
Seven News has reported that a member of staff raised the alarm after an alleged bomb scare on the flight.
“About 4.50pm today, AFP members at Sydney Airport responded to an incident on board an aircraft that was en route to the airport,” an AFP spokesperson said.
“Investigations are continuing. There is no threat to the community.”
Up to 40 emergency crews, including heavily armed officers, swarmed the airport tarmac to respond to the scare.
Aerial photos of the airport show NSW Fire and Rescue crews at the airport alongside officers from the Australian Federal Police.
The aircraft was isolated on the tarmac for an hour before it was ferried to a terminal.
Air New Zealand Chief Operational Integrity and Safety Officer, David Morgan, said standard security protocols had been followed in response to the “security incident”.
“Emergency services assessed the aircraft after it landed and passengers were able to disembark,” he said.
Mr Morgan revealed the airline’s scheduled return flight to Wellington had been cancelled due to the incident.
“Air New Zealand apologises for the inconvenience caused to customers on both services,” he said.
“The safety and security of all passengers and our crew is our utmost priority.”
An aviation expert told Sky News it’s been an “extraordinary week” for bomb threats after 35 bomb threats were made in India this week.
The incident comes less than 24 hours after King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived at Sydney Airport on Friday night.
Read related topics:Sydney
