Police have detained a man at Melbourne’s Avalon Airport this morning after it was evacuated following a suspicious item being found during the screening process.
“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 in a statement.
“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.
“At this stage, passengers are being advised that, due to safety precautions, delays are expected to the Brisbane flight this morning.
“We will provide further updates regarding any additional delays as more information becomes available.”
Dozens of responders remain at the airport, including members of Victoria Police’s Bomb Response Unit.
Incoming passengers were also affected, with arriving travellers prevented from entering parts of the terminal during the emergency response.
A flight from Bali landed at about 7am, with passengers safely disembarking before being escorted out of the terminal and taken to a temporary holding area in the car park.
Passengers with access to vehicles were allowed to leave immediately, while others were directed to walk to the main exit.
Those arriving from Bali were told there was a security incident affecting the domestic terminal, which had been shut down, while international flights would continue to be processed as normal.
Passengers due to fly to Brisbane were also refused entry to the terminal.
A Melbourne Avalon Airport spokeswoman confirmed the security scare.
“The domestic terminal at Melbourne Avalon Airport was evacuated this morning following the identification of a suspicious item during the screening process,” she said.
“Victoria Police attended and an individual has been detained.
“At this stage, passengers are being advised that, due to safety precautions, delays are expected to the Brisbane flight this morning. We will provide further updates regarding any additional delays as more information becomes available.”
Jetstar sent text messages to its passengers.
“There is a security incident at Avalon Airport this morning and the airport is currently closed. There are also road closures around the airport to be aware of.
“Chat with us here (link) for flight options from Melbourne. We apologise for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience.”
