A Victorian man is expected to appear before Perth Magistrates Court today (23 April, 2026) charged with endangering the safety of Perth Airport.
AFP officers at Perth Airport responded to an incident yesterday (22 April, 2026) after receiving a report of a man entering the international terminal and allegedly making threats towards the safety of the airport.
Police allegedly linked the man, 57, to an unattended backpack located outside the terminal and an exclusion zone was established with the assistance of the WA Police Force.
A short time later the man was located and arrested in the Perth CBD by WA Police.
The backpack was examined by the WA Police Bomb Response Unit and declared safe before the airport resumed normal operations.
The man was transferred to AFP custody and charged with:
- One count of threatening to destroy, damage, or endanger the safety of a Commonwealth aerodrome, contrary to section 28(1) of the Crimes (Aviation) Act 1991 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is ten years' imprisonment.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Peter Brindal said the AFP and its partners would not tolerate threats to aviation security.
"Travelling through airports should be a safe experience for passengers, staff and airline crew alike," Det a/Supt Brindal said.
"We want to thank members of the public for reporting suspicious activity at airports - if you do see anything that doesn't look right, please report it to 131 237.
"The AFP will continue to work closely with airline partners to deal with any behaviour that interferes with aviation security."
Stop and think. A safe journey starts with you
Every piece of information you provide could be the key to identifying and preventing a threat at our airports. That's why the AFP is asking you to adopt the; "See it. Hear it. Report it." approach.
Behaviours to report include:
- Taking photos of security cameras, screening, or perimeter fencing
- Avoiding screening
- Leaving bags unattended
- Loitering
- Concealing identity
- Exhibiting erratic behaviour
If you see it or hear it, report it to Airport Watch at 131 237 (131 AFP).
You can make a difference!
