Melbourne Avalon Airport evacuated after suspicious item

A major security incident prompted the evacuation and closure of Melbourne Avalon Airport on Thursday morning after a suspicious item was identified during passenger screening. Victoria Police detained an individual and cordoned off the area as emergency services, including the bomb response unit, conducted a safety check.

The incident began just before 6 a.m. on May 21, leading to the immediate evacuation of the domestic terminal. Police confirmed the building was cleared and the surrounding area was sealed off as a precaution while their investigation continued. Images from the scene showed security vehicles blocking entrances and significant traffic backups on roads leading to the airport, including Avalon Road near the Princes Highway.

Passengers were significantly disrupted, with many turned away upon arrival. Travelers reported a lack of information as they waited in long queues, with some leaving the terminal on foot. A flight that had just arrived from Bali was also affected, with passengers escorted off the aircraft and into a holding area in a car park. The airline Jetstar notified passengers via text message that the airport was closed due to a security incident and...