The engine turbine of a passenger aircraft. Photo: jannoon028/freepik
A former baggage handler is to face local court today (April 2) after police say he filmed himself, nearly naked, inside an aircraft turbine at Sydney Airport and posted the footage to social media.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) say they identified the southern Sydney resident after they were alerted by the airport about dangerous activity in the airside security zone shown on social media.
Police will allege in court that in January 2025, the handler entered a restricted area and filmed himself as he removed his clothing and posed inside a turbine before uploading the footage.
AFP investigators interviewed the 23-year-old at the airport in February and searched his devices, discovering six videos.
He is due to Downing Centre Local Court today charged with threatening aviation security and failing to display an Airport Security Identification Card (ASIC) in a security zone.
The maximum penalties for these offences are $15,500 and $1650 fines respectively.
POLICE WARNING
AFP Sydney Airport Police Commander Davina Copelin says that airports are not a playground for social media stunts for anyone.
“The AFP remains committed to the safety and security of all major airports, irrespective of the crime type,” she says.
“Airside security zones are highly regulated and secure areas. The AFP will not tolerate breaches which may compromise the safe operations of the airport, no matter how harmless they may seem.”
Graham White, Head of Security at Sydney Airport, says the airport “has a zero-tolerance policy for unsafe behaviour at the airport, and we treat all reports of potential safety breaches seriously”.
“The safety of passengers, airport staff and airport operations is our top priority, and we have stringent protocols in place to uphold all safety policies,” he says.
“We commend the swift response by the AFP and will continue to work closely with them to ensure the highest standards of safety are maintained for passengers, staff and visitors.”
