Jobaaj Stories
A young man has been arrested after attempting to board a Jetstar flight at Avalon Airport in Victoria with a firearm and knives. The incident took place just before 3 PM on Thursday when the man, dressed in a high-visibility vest, tried to board flight JQ610 to Sydney.
Passengers on the flight quickly reacted and tackled the suspect to the ground before police arrived. One of the passengers, Barry Clark, who was seated in 1C, played a key role in stopping the man. Clark, a shearer from Echuca, said he first noticed something was wrong when the airline staff began questioning the suspect. When the man became agitated and a shotgun appeared, Clark immediately acted, disarming him and restraining him until officers arrived.
Another passenger, Woodrow, told ABC Radio Melbourne that the man had a "loaded shotgun and knives" and was disguised as an airport worker. According to Woodrow, the suspect wore a tool belt, cargo pants, and a high-vis vest, making him look like part of the ground crew.
Clark described the moment he intervened, saying he didn't have time to think—he just acted. "I've been taught from a young age to be responsible and look after others," he said. "I was quietly confident I could handle him, but I didn't want to see anyone get hurt."
Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident. The police quickly took the man into custody, and an investigation is now underway.
Jetstar acknowledged the security incident and assured passengers that their safety was the top priority. A spokesperson for the airline confirmed that there were no injuries and that they were cooperating with police to understand what had happened.
Avalon Airport has temporarily closed as authorities investigate the situation. A spokesperson for the airport said their main focus was ensuring the safety of passengers and staff. Those involved in the incident have now been allowed to leave, and the airport is assisting travelers with transport arrangements.
Authorities have not yet released details about the suspect’s identity or motive. However, the swift action of passengers, especially Barry Clark, helped prevent a potentially dangerous situation. The investigation remains ongoing.
