This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia, which closed in 2021.

Virgin Passengers Evacuated After Suspicious Note Found On Board

A suspicious note was found in the toilet area of the flight.

Passengers of a Virgin Airlines flight have been evacuated and a man arrested on Tuesday after a suspicious note was found on the aircraft.

NSW Police told HuffPost Australia in a statement that emergency services attended Albury Airport around 9:20am after the plane, which is believed to have departed Sydney, landed and all on-board passengers were safely evacuated before the aircraft was searched.

The man was later charged by police for sending a document threatening death or grievous bodily harm and giving false information that could put people or property in danger.

"A man has been charged following an incident on a plane during a flight from Sydney to Albury this morning," a NSW Police statement said.

"About 9.15am Albury police received information that a note was located on an item in the toilets of an aircraft en route to Albury. About 9.30am the aircraft landed and police boarded the plane and immediately evacuated the passengers.

"A 30-year-old man was arrested and taken to Albury Police Station. He was charged with send document threatening death or grievous bodily harm and give false information person/property in danger."

The man was granted conditional bail and is expected to appear in Albury Local Court in July.

Passengers on-board the Virgin flight told The Border Mail that "cabin crew started yelling 'get out, run, run, run'," before the doors of the aircraft were opened from the outside and on-board occupants assembled on the tarmac.

When asked by police about the arrested man, passengers said he was calm throughout the flight, only got up to go to the bathroom once and didn't resist being detained by authorities.

In a statement provided to HuffPost Australia, a Virgin Australia spokesperson said: "Virgin Australia flight VA1174 from Sydney to Albury landed safely this morning.

"Due to a security incident on board police met the aircraft on arrival. One passenger is assisting police with their enquiries. The matter is now in the hands of the New South Wales police."

ALSO ON HUFFPOST AUSTRALIA

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia. Certain site features have been disabled. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.