The “suspicious” item that brought a Melbourne airport to a standstill and temporarily grounded a flight has been found to be a laser hair removal device.
One man was detained during a major police operation involving the bomb squad at Avalon Airport today after the item was identified during the security screening process.
Emergency services were called to the premises just before 6am and the domestic terminal was evacuated while police conducted safety checks.
After Victoria Police’s bomb response unit arrived and assessed the item, it was determined to be a laser hair removal device and a package of hot chocolate.
No charges have been laid and the detained man is no longer in police custody.
Victoria Police Acting Inspector Nick Uebergang said the man who owned the bag was “not too cooperative” during the incident.
“It made things difficult, we could have averted things and got out of here a lot quicker,” he said.
“He wasn’t giving us too much information at all, on what was in his bag.”
Uebergang praised the airport’s security team for bringing the package to police attention, despite the fact that it was later deemed to be non-suspicious.
“[We] want security to take these measures,” he added.
Avalon Airport also thanked police for how they responded to the incident.
“Today’s response demonstrates the vigilance of the screening and security processes, with precautionary measures taken immediately to ensure the safety of passengers, staff and the broader community, which will always remain our highest priority,” the airport said.
The incident caused delays at Melbourne’s second-biggest airport, which is located around 50 kilometres from the CBD.
“At this stage, passengers are being advised that, due to safety precautions, delays are expected to the Brisbane flight this morning,” police said earlier.
“We will provide further updates regarding any additional delays as more information becomes available.”
“The building has been evacuated and area cordoned off as a precaution while the investigation is ongoing.”
Images from the scene showed cars backed up outside the airport, while security vehicles blocked entrances.
9News was told passengers landing this morning from a flight in Bali were escorted off the plane and into a holding area.
Two bomb squad robots were deployed into the terminal.
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