Teenager Faces Multiple Charges After Attempted Hijacking at Avalon Airport
A 19-year-old man, who was 17 at the time of the alleged offense, appeared in the Victorian Children's Court in May 2025. He faces charges including attempted hijacking of a Jetstar aircraft scheduled to fly to Sydney with approximately 160 passengers on board.
Incident Details
According to court documents, the teenager allegedly took firearms, ammunition, knives, petrol bombs, and a fake explosive device from a gun safe at his home. He left a note before driving to the airport.
Reports indicate he stopped at a Hungry Jack's restaurant and was seen in high-visibility clothing before entering the airport grounds.
Prosecutors allege the teenager cut a hole in a security fence to enter the airport and boarded the plane while presenting himself as a maintenance worker. Witnesses reportedly believed he was an engineer.
He allegedly told a crew member he had "bombs in the bags" and demanded access to the cockpit. He was restrained by passengers and crew after attempting to assemble a shotgun.
Legal Proceedings
The case is currently in the Children's Court. Prosecutors have applied to transfer the case to a higher court, arguing that the maximum penalty in the Children's Court is insufficient for the seriousness of the alleged crime.
The defense opposes this transfer, citing the teenager's mental health conditions and a potential mental impairment defense.
Defense Arguments
The teenager's lawyer, Patrick Doyle SC, stated his client was under significant mental strain at the time of the incident. A neuropsychologist's report noted "significant deterioration" around the time of the incident.
The teenager has autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms. A psychiatrist raised a probable diagnosis of delusional disorder.
The defense stated the teenager later told police he wanted to "subdue the crew" but did not want to alarm others. He reportedly thanked passengers who restrained him and stated he felt relieved after being subdued.
The defense disputed claims that the teenager began planning in October 2024, noting his internet history shows an interest in aviation. The defense also maintained that the alleged explosive device was an "obvious fake."
Prosecution Arguments
Prosecutors allege the teenager had an ideological or political motivation for the attempted hijacking, though details were not discussed in open court.
The prosecution stated the teenager was "clearly committed" to this motivation and that the hijacking was planned. They allege he brought an explosive device onto the aircraft.
Charges
The teenager faces charges including:
- Attempted hijacking
- Prejudicing the safe operation of an aircraft with intent to kill
- Possessing a trafficable quantity of firearms
The maximum penalty for these charges includes life imprisonment.
Next Steps
The magistrate stated he needs time to consider the material before making a decision on the transfer application.
The case is scheduled to return to a children's court in June 2025. The teenager has been in custody since March 2025.