Laser hair removal device triggers bomb alert at Australian airport

Thursday 21 May 2026 - 09:55

A security alert briefly disrupted operations at Avalon Airport, located near Melbourne, after a suspicious package was mistakenly identified as a potential threat.

The incident occurred early in the morning when airport security personnel detected an unusual item during routine screening. Authorities quickly responded by isolating the area and calling in bomb disposal specialists as a precaution.

After a thorough inspection, officials confirmed that the suspicious object was not dangerous. It turned out to be a laser hair removal device, accompanied by a container intended for a hot drink mix, which had initially raised concerns during scanning procedures.

The package’s owner was temporarily detained for questioning but was later released without charges. Authorities noted that initial cooperation was limited, which contributed to delays in resolving the situation.

The airport remained partially closed for several hours, leading to the cancellation of two domestic flights and delays to several others. Despite the disruption, officials emphasized that safety procedures worked effectively to protect passengers and staff.

Airport representatives stated that the rapid response highlighted the importance of strict security protocols in modern aviation environments. Passengers described confusion during the incident as police and emergency vehicles surrounded the terminal while operations were suspended.

Normal airport activity resumed later in the day once the all-clear was given.