Teen Arrested After Allegedly Boarding Jetstar Flight With Shotgun at Avalon Airport

A 17-year-old boy has been charged after allegedly attempting to board a Jetstar flight at Avalon Airport while armed with a shotgun. The teenager was dramatically overpowered by passengers before police arrived at the scene.

The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon when the teen, from Ballarat, reportedly climbed through a hole in the airport’s security fence and made his way on foot to the aircraft. The Jetstar flight, bound for Sydney, had around 150 passengers onboard.

Victoria Police Superintendent Michael Reid praised the bravery of passengers who intervened. “This would have been a terrifying experience for those on the plane, and we commend those who stepped in to prevent a potentially dangerous situation,” he said.

The teenager has been charged with multiple offences, including unlawfully taking control of an aircraft, orchestrating a bomb hoax, and firearm possession. He has been remanded in custody and will face a children’s court at a later date.

Passengers Describe Dramatic Scene

Witnesses described a chaotic and frightening moment when the armed teen approached the plane’s front stairs. Passenger Barry Clark, who helped restrain him, said the suspect appeared dressed as a maintenance worker.

“He became agitated talking to the flight attendant, and before we knew it, a shotgun appeared,” Clark told ABC Radio Melbourne. “I pushed her out of the way, grabbed the gun, broke it apart, threw it down the stairs, and then held him down until police arrived.”

Another passenger, Kim McLeod, said the commotion was evident as people began filming. “The pilot later announced that someone had boarded the plane with a large gun, and both a pilot and a passenger tackled him to the ground,” she said.

Airport Lockdown and Investigation

Following the arrest, the airport was placed in lockdown, and passengers were asked to disembark. McLeod said they were informed their luggage would be delivered later.

Jetstar has confirmed it is working with police and airport authorities to investigate the security breach and ensure safety measures are reviewed.