A south west Sydney man is expected to appear before Downing Centre Local Court today (2 April, 2025) charged with allegedly posting an online threat towards an international flight.
Police will allege the man, 22, posted a threat on social media towards an aircraft on 19 December, 2024. Hours later, he boarded a Philippines-bound flight at Sydney Airport. It will be alleged the threat was directed towards the same flight the man was a passenger on.
The same day, the AFP received a referral about the online threat. Investigators identified the aircraft and screened the flight to establish there were no explosives onboard.
An AFP liaison officer worked with Philippines National Police to identify and speak to the man on his arrival at Manila, Philippines. He was subsequently granted entry to the country by authorities.
The 22-year-old returned to Australia in January, 2025, and was interviewed by AFP officers at Sydney Airport. It will be alleged the man admitted to making the online threat during the interview.
He was issued with a court attendance notice to appear before the Downing Centre Local Court today on one count of threatening aviation security, contrary to regulation 9.01 of the Aviation Transport Security Regulations (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is a $15,500 fine.
AFP Sydney Airport Police Commander Davina Copelin said any threat to a flight, airline or the airport precinct was investigated, no matter the intent.
"The AFP remains committed to the safety and security of all major Australian airports, irrespective of the crime type," Det a/Supt Copelin said.
"The AFP provides an immediate response to any threat to the airport or airlines, including investigating and apprehending those offenders responsible.
"These matters are not taken lightly. Threats such as this can cause a substantial loss of resources and time for the airline, and the airport. It also jeopardises the safety of members of the public, airport workers and the authorities who need to investigate the incident thoroughly."
