Dramatic Scene Unfolds on Jetstar Flight at Melbourne’s Avalon Airport

A shocking security breach at Avalon Airport, Melbourne, saw a 17-year-old armed with a shotgun and ammunition tackled by brave passengers and crew just as a Jetstar flight prepared for takeoff to Sydney with 160 people onboard.

Teen Breaches Airport Security, Storms Plane with Firearm

Authorities say the teenager breached a security fence to access the tarmac, climbing the plane’s front steps before being wrestled to the ground near the entrance.

Footage shared by Australian outlet 7News captured the dramatic moment when a passenger and ground crew member restrained the suspect as a pilot kicked away the firearm.

Superintendent Michael Reid of Victoria Police confirmed that at least three passengers overpowered the teen after spotting the weapon. “No doubt this was a terrifying incident for those onboard,” he said, praising their quick-thinking bravery.

Suspect Faces Multiple Charges, Counterterrorism Authorities Involved

The teenager, from Ballarat, Victoria, remains in custody and faces eight serious charges, including:

• Unlawfully taking control of an aircraft
• Endangering flight safety
• Creating a bomb hoax

Authorities searched a nearby car and two bags linked to the suspect, with a bomb specialist brought in as a precaution. While the motive remains unclear, counterterrorism police are now involved in the investigation.

Passengers Recall Terrifying Moments

Eyewitness Barry Clark, a passenger onboard, described the teen as “agitated” and dressed like an airport worker. “All I could do was get the gun out of the way… then put him in a hold and throw him to the ground until police arrived,” he told ABC Australia.

Authorities, Airline Respond to Major Incident

Avalon Airport, which is exclusively served by Jetstar, a Qantas subsidiary, has since reopened. The airline released a statement expressing gratitude to the passengers and crew who helped neutralize the threat.

“We know this was a distressing situation and are sincerely grateful to those who assisted in safely managing the incident,” Jetstar told CBS News.

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