Avalon Airport has been plunged into lockdown and flights are delayed after a bomb scare on Thursday morning.
“The domestic terminal at Melbourne Avalon Airport was evacuated this morning following the identification of a suspicious item during the screening process,” an airport spokesperson said. “Victoria Police attended and an individual has been detained.
“The matter is now being managed by police and any further enquiries should be directed to Victoria Police.”
Nine News reported that the police bomb squad was at the airport.
Witness David told 3AW there was a “total shutdown” at the airport on the outskirts of Geelong.
“There’s people queued up for miles. They blocked it off at the entranceway where the roundabout is. We’ve been here for at least an hour now, almost.”
David, who is travelling to Brisbane, said people had walked out of the airport on foot. “The whole area is closed … they’ve blocked us off, but no one’s telling us a thing.”
Another caller said travellers pushing luggage trolleys had spilled out from the building onto Avalon Road, near the Princes Highway.
Jetstar texted passengers to confirm the airport was closed due to a security incident, according to a screenshot that 3AW radio presenter Jacqui Felgate shared on Instagram.
Be the first to know when major news happens. Sign up for breaking news alerts on email or turn on notifications in the app.
Angus Delaney is a reporter at The Age. Email him at angus.delaney@theage.com.au or contact him securely on Signal at angusdelaney.31Connect via email.
