"Threats to aviation security will not be tolerated."
Perth Airport Terminal 1 Lockdown: Man Charged After Backpack Incident
The international wing of Perth Airport's Terminal 1 was closed for over two hours on Wednesday afternoon, April 22, 2026, following the discovery of an unattended backpack. A 57-year-old man was subsequently charged in connection with the incident.
Incident and Police Response
At approximately 4:00 PM local time on Wednesday, an unattended backpack was discovered in the forecourt of Terminal 1. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Western Australia Police responded by establishing an exclusion zone.
The check-in area, short-term car park, and terminal forecourt were cordoned off, and the Terminal 1 drop-off and pick-up area was temporarily closed. The WA Police bomb squad examined the backpack and declared it safe. The lockdown was lifted around 6:30 PM, and passengers were allowed back into the terminal.
Impact on Passengers and Operations
The closure resulted in significant disruption. Thousands of travelers were affected, with some forced to wait outside the terminal while others were held inside. Departing flights were grounded, and arriving international passengers were held on aircraft.
- An estimated 450 incoming passengers were stranded on two aircraft for up to three hours.
- A further 250 passengers remained inside the terminal.
- Long queues formed at customs for returning international passengers.
- Traffic was redirected to the Terminal 2 short-term car park.
Following the reopening, operations were reported to be returning to normal, although delays were expected for evening flights. The exact number of flights impacted and the lengths of delays have not been confirmed by authorities.
Arrest and Charges
Shortly after the incident, the AFP arrested Keiron Beau James Hedges, 57, in the Perth central business district. In court on Thursday, he was charged with making a false communication that could be inferred as a threat to an aerodrome.
The charge states that Hedges allegedly told a security guard he would "blow this place up" after being stopped near the passport area. An initial charge of entering an airside security zone without permission was dropped.
According to the AFP, Hedges stated in a police interview that he was "informed to inform the public that the airport will be blown up" and that he placed the backpack in a bin because he did not need it. The unattended backpack was later linked to him.
Statements
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Peter Brindal stated that threats to aviation security would not be tolerated and that the AFP works with airline partners to address behavior interfering with aviation security.
A Perth Airport spokesperson confirmed that the investigation had concluded and that the airport was working with airlines and agencies to return to normal operations.
Legal Proceedings
Hedges, who is unrepresented and was advised to seek legal advice, was denied bail pending a mental health assessment scheduled for April 28. The maximum penalty for the charge, if convicted, is ten years in prison.