A former baggage handler is expected to face Downing Centre Local Court today (2 April, 2025) after he allegedly filmed himself inside a plane turbine at Sydney Airport before posting the footage to social media.
The AFP identified the southern Sydney man following a referral from the airport in relation to dangerous activity in the airside security zone, which was showcased on social media.
Police will allege in January 2025 he used his position as a baggage handler to exploit the restricted area and capture videos of himself removing his clothing and posing inside the turbine of a stationary aircraft before uploading the footage
Investigators interviewed the 23-year-old at the AFP's Sydney Airport station in February. They searched the man's devices, locating six videos connected with the referral.
He was issued with a court attendance notice to appear before the Downing Centre Local Court today, charged with:
• One count of threatening aviation security contrary to regulation 9.01 of the Aviation Transport Security Regulations (Cth).
• One count of failing to display a red ASIC in the airside security zone contrary to regulation 3.03 of the Aviation Transport Security Regulations (Cth).
The maximum penalties for these offences are $15,500 and $1650 fines, respectively.
AFP Sydney Airport Police Commander Davina Copelin said Sydney Airport, or any airport for that matter, was not a playground for social media stunts by passengers or people entrusted with access.
"The AFP remains committed to the safety and security of all major Australian airports, irrespective of the crime type," Det a/Supt Copelin said.
"Airside security zones are highly regulated and secure areas, and the AFP will not tolerate breaches which may compromise the safe operations of the airport, no matter how harmless they may seem."
Graham White, Head of Security at Sydney Airport, said: "Sydney Airport has a zero-tolerance policy for unsafe behaviour at the airport, and we treat all reports of potential safety breaches seriously.
"The safety of passengers, airport staff and airport operations is our top priority, and we have stringent protocols in place to uphold all safety policies.
"We commend the swift response by the AFP and will continue to work closely with them to ensure the highest standards of safety are maintained for passengers, staff and visitors."
