A suspect has been arrested in Australia after authorities stopped what a pilot later described as a “bizarre” attempt to hijack a passenger plane and fly it overseas.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP), working with intelligence agencies, have been conducting a broad investigation into the alleged hijacking plot, according to The Australian.
Officials confirmed that one person is in custody and stressed there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The report stated that the alleged hijacker intended to seize control of a commercial jet at an Australian airport and redirect the plane to a Middle Eastern country.
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In a statement shared with NewsWire, the AFP said, “This matter is before the court, with open-source reporting on this individual’s court case in July 2025. Suppression orders remain in place,” according to news.com.au.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been briefed on the investigation, which is examining whether antisemitism may have been a motive behind the alleged plan, The Australian reported.
According to the same outlet, the suspect’s plan would have required multiple refueling stops before reaching the Middle East. A source familiar with the matter told the paper, “Could that plane have reached the Middle East? It would have needed multiple refueling stops, but from what we understand that was the (alleged hijacker’s) intention.”
Security measures have since been tightened at both major and regional airports. The Department of Home Affairs has reportedly met with airport owners and operators about strengthening protocols. The department did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
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Pilot David Oliver, speaking on the breakfast television program Sunrise as reported by 7 News, called the foiled attempt “quite bizarre.” He explained that strict security systems are in place at airports and onboard aircraft:
“There’s security protocols on the ground which are fairly strict, both for airport workers and non-airport workers who need access to certain facilities,” Oliver said. “For the aircraft, there are strict protocols for flight access which both the cabin crew and flight crew know about — but passengers would not. It would be difficult to get into the flight deck.”
Health Minister Mark Butler also addressed the incident, telling Sunrise that any potential hijacking report “sends shivers down the spine,” according to 7 News.
