CANBERRA, ACT, June 23 -- Australian Federal Police issued the following media release:

A Montenegro national is expected to appear before Downing Centre Local Court today (23 June, 2026), charged with threatening aviation security at Sydney Airport.

AFP officers at Sydney Airport responded to an incident on Sunday (21 June, 2026), after receiving information about an alleged bomb threat made on board a Turkish Airlines flight from Sydney to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Police will allege while the plane was on the taxiway preparing for take-off a flight crew member questioned the man, 44, about a piece of electrical equipment he was holding in his hand. The man allegedly stated he had a bomb in his possession.

After being notified of the incident, the aircraft captain returned the aircraft to the gate to remove the passenger.

The captain provided a description of the suspicious item to police, stating it appeared to be a wireless phone charger. Police requested the cabin crew relocate passengers seated near the man as a precaution.

Police boarded the aircraft, arrested the man and removed him from the plane. He was charged with one count of threatening aviation security, contrary to regulation 9.01(1) of the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005 (Cth).

This offence carries a maximum penalty of a $10,500 fine.

AFP Detective Superintendent Davina Copelin said making false bomb threats or jokes about explosives was a serious issue with potentially significant consequences for public safety and airport operations.

"Airports operate under strict security protocols to keep passengers, staff and airline crew safe, and any comment suggesting the presence of a bomb or explosive device will be treated seriously," Det Supt Copelin said.

"What some people may consider a joke can cause significant disruption, trigger emergency responses and divert security resources away from genuine threats.

"Making a false claim about a bomb is not a prank - it is a criminal matter that can result in prosecution and substantial penalties.

"The AFP will continue to work closely with airport and airline partners to ensure the safety and security of Australia's aviation network and will take action against anyone whose behaviour compromises that 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!

Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.