‘Get out and run!’ Virgin plane evacuated on airport landing following bomb threat
PASSENGERS onboard a Virgin plane were told to “get out and run, run, run” after a note claiming there was a bomb on the flight was found onboard.
A Virgin plane was evacuated on landing
The aircraft doors were “ripped off” from the outside by Australian authorities as passengers were told to leave their luggage and jump around 1.2 metres down onto the tarmac.
Everyone aboard the 8.05am (Monday 23.05 EST) Virgin flight from Sydney to Albury was safely evacuated, according to local police.
A man, who had travelled aboard the 68-seater turboprop, was arrested and taken away by authorities.
Australian media reports suggest the note claimed there was a bomb onboard.
A spokeswoman for New South Wales police said officers arrived at the airport because a note had been left in the onboard toilet.
The small regional airport is located in south-east Australia
She said: “A man is currently assisting police with their enquiries following an incident with a plane at Albury.
“At about 9.20am, police and emergency services attended Albury Airport after receiving information that a note was left in the toilet area in the plane.”
Another passenger who had travelled on the domestic flight told AAP that a man wearing a red jacket and a red hat had been arrested on the tarmac.
He said: “As soon as we landed the cabin crew started yelling 'Get out, run, run, run’.
“The man didn't seem to resist the arrest.”
Michelle McNamara, who works for a car hire company in the airport terminal, told the media agency: “It's normally quiet, it's Albury Airport.
“It's a bit concerning. With all that's happening in the world, it makes you think the worst.”
In a statement, Virgin Australia confirmed that police had arrived at the airport following a “security incident”.
Chaos at Albury airport this morning following reports of a bomb scare. Virgin plane remains grounded. @9NewsBorderNE pic.twitter.com/LLWUHTAInx
— Caitlin Knight (@caitlinlknight) June 6, 2017
The statement read: “Virgin Australia flight VA1174 from Sydney to Albury landed safely this morning.
“Due to a security incident on board police met the aircraft on arrival. One passenger is assisting police with their enquiries.
“All guests disembarked safely and a full search of the aircraft was conducted by the local police and the aircraft has been cleared of any potential danger.
“The matter is now in the hands of the New South Wales police.”