A former baggage handler is set to face Downing Centre Local Court on 2 April 2025 after allegedly filming himself inside a plane turbine at Sydney Airport and posting the footage on social media.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) launched an investigation after Sydney Airport officials raised concerns about the video, which showed a man inside the turbine of a stationary aircraft in a restricted airside security zone.
AFP Sydney Airport Police Commander Detective Acting Superintendent Davina Copelin said airports were no place for social media stunts, especially by those entrusted with access.
“The AFP remains committed to the safety and security of all major Australian airports, irrespective of the crime type,” Det A/Supt Copelin said.
“Airside security zones are highly regulated and secure areas, and the AFP will not tolerate breaches which may compromise the safe operations of the airport, no matter how harmless they may seem.”
Police allege that in January 2025, the 23-year-old from southern Sydney used his position to gain access to the area, where he removed his clothing and posed inside the turbine before uploading the footage online.
Investigators interviewed the man at the AFP’s Sydney Airport station in February and searched his devices, uncovering six videos linked to the incident. He was later issued with a court attendance notice to face charges, including:
- One count of threatening aviation security, contrary to regulation 9.01 of the Aviation Transport Security Regulations (Cth), carrying a maximum penalty of a $15,500 fine.
- One count of failing to display a red Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC) in a restricted zone, contrary to regulation 3.03, which carries a maximum penalty of a $1,650 fine.
Sydney Airport’s Head of Security, Graham White, reinforced the airport’s strict stance on safety.
“Sydney Airport has a zero-tolerance policy for unsafe behaviour, and we treat all reports of potential safety breaches seriously,” he said.
“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. 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.”
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