Armed man tackled at Melbourne’s Avalon Airport incident

Man arrested for attempting to board Jetstar flight with a gun at Melbourne’s Avalon Airport, no injuries reported.

In Short

A man was arrested at Avalon Airport, Melbourne, for attempting to board a Jetstar flight with a loaded shotgun. Passengers, including a pilot, intervened to restrain him, and the airport is now closed while police investigate the incident.

A man was arrested at Avalon Airport, Melbourne, after allegedly attempting to board a Jetstar flight with a gun.

The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon. Police received reports of the armed individual around 2.50pm and promptly arrived at the scene.

Witnesses described how a passenger and the pilot intervened, tackling the man to prevent him from boarding.

A passenger reported that the suspect appeared to carry a loaded shotgun and knives. Barry Clarke, a passenger seated near the front, intervened quickly, applying a choke hold on the suspect until others, including the pilot, assisted in restraining him.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported among passengers or crew members.

Jetstar acknowledged the security incident and stated that they are cooperating with police to understand the details.

The airline said that passenger and crew safety is a top priority. Avalon Airport officials confirmed that they are investigating the situation, focusing on passenger and staff safety.

The airport remains closed until further notice, with the matter now under police jurisdiction.

Further updates will follow as the investigation continues.