Airport delays as police thwart “elaborate” terror attack
Australian police have announced a number of terror raids launched over the weekend were related to an “elaborate” terror plot to take down an aircraft using a bomb.
Airport security has been noticably ramped up, with Aussie airlines Qantas and Virgin Australia both issuing statements urging customers to arrive earlier than usual for their flights.
Bags are being screened more intensely, per reports, as Australia’s national terror threat level is raised to “probable”.
Police say these tougher security measures could last for many days.
Four men were arrested from five homes in Sydney suburbs of Surry Hills, Lakemba, Wiley Park and Punchbowl, with Australian Federal Police Commissioner, Andrew Colvin, explaining that a tip-off led the police to believe the men were planning a terrorist attack, using an “improvised device” to target an Australian plane, per The Guardian.
If The Daily Telegraph reports are to be believed, the terror plan intended to use a bomb disguised as a meat mincer carried in hand luggage onto a flight departing Sydney.
Other media reports have claimed it could have been a “non-traditional” device that would have released poisonous gas within the plane to target passengers.
Colvin said the threat was credible, adding, “We believe it’s Islamic-inspired terrorism. Exactly what is behind this is something we need to investigate fully”, per The Guardian.
He also said the threat was to target Australian aviation at a major airport, but that there was no evidence to suggest security had been compromised.
“Australia has some of the best, if not the best airport security arrangements in the world and we’re confident those measures are effective, and would have been effective, in this circumstance,” he said, per The Guardian.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said delays could be expected due to “enhanced and intensified” screenings and checks.
“More bags will be checked, it’s really intensifying what we’re already doing,” he said. “Some of that will be visible, some of it will not be visible.”
Both national airlines have issued statements on the tougher security measures travellers can expect.
Qantas’ statement said, “The Qantas Group (Qantas and Jetstar) is working closely with government and our airport partners to implement the increased security measures at Australian airports.
“Given the additional screening requirements, we ask passengers to arrive at the terminal two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. Passengers are also asked to limit the amount of carry-on and checked baggage where possible as this will help to ensure security screening is efficient.
“Australia has very strong safeguards in place at its airports; these changes are about making them even stronger.
“We appreciate the understanding and patience of passengers as we implement these enhanced security measures.”
Virgin Australia’s statement added, “The Australian Government has introduced additional aviation security measures for both international and domestic terminals at Australia’s major airports. These are precautionary measures.
“The travelling public can expect to experience an increased level of security scrutiny at the airport but they should not be concerned about these precautionary measures.
“As the measures place an additional burden on the screening system, it may take a little longer than usual to get through the process.
- Passengers should arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights to allow time for security screening.
- Passengers should limit the amount of carry-on and checked baggage they travel with as this will help to ensure security screening is efficient.
“There are no changes to what can and cannot be carried on-board the aircraft.”
But delays and massive queues were seen from even the first flights before 6am this morning, across Australia’s major airports, as shown by Twitter users.
Pre-5am security screening – Sydney airport. pic.twitter.com/YTc3JFtSXc
— Graham Ross (@Graham__Ross) July 30, 2017
Busy #SydneyAirport #T2 #VirginTerminal this morning pic.twitter.com/Zdu2smRCyr
— Ricardo Goncalves (@BUSINESSricardo) July 30, 2017
Heightened security at Sydney airport. Give yourself extra time to clear screening. @SydneyAirport @Qantas well done… very well managed. pic.twitter.com/g6qniWujOC
— Matt (@mattchamley) July 30, 2017
Today will be very busy so please do get to the airport at least 2hrs before scheduled departure. #teamvic
— Melbourne Airport (@Melair) July 30, 2017
#MelbourneAirport this morning !#atleastitlooksscary pic.twitter.com/yRygexWQV7
— iBrian (@brianinnovates) July 30, 2017
Melbourne airport is stuffed. No chance of catching this flight
— Jackson Grant (@JacksonGrant15) July 30, 2017
Lengthy delays @AdelaideAirport as passengers face “intensified” screening in wake of #Sydney terror plot. DETAILS AT 6 @7NewsAdelaidepic.twitter.com/mpzUPYm67Z
— Elspeth Hussey (@ElspethHussey7) July 30, 2017
Lead image: Matt Chamley Twitter
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
@australia aviation malcolm turnbull police qantas sydney airport terror plot terror threat terrorism virgin australiaLatest News
Travel Weekly announces a new team to helm Australia’s No.1 travel trade title
Some shameless self-promotion from us, but we thought you needed to know who's bringing you the news.
IHG reveals plans for Brisbane’s first Kimpton in 2028
Just another reason to book that trip to Brisvegas. But don't jump the gun, it's not open until 2028.
Cruiseabout’s first store in five years opens in Perth
Perth gets a break from being behind the rest of the country with the addition of the first Cruiseabout store.
ATAS complaints process acknowledges non-economic loss
A High Court case win over 'disappointment and distress' on a cruise gone wrong prompts ATIA complaints change.
Cunard previews new Queen Anne
Yep, this one does exactly what it says on the tin.
Bunnik Tours unveils latest expansion to Iceland
Just as the Icelandic vikings did many years ago, Bunnik is expanding into new territories.
Australia’s first glamping retreat turns 25
25th anniversary gifts usually come in silver. Ours comes in the way of a news story.
Embrace the journey: Traversing the world with the Shokz OpenRun
If you’ve been on the wrong side of a final call in the airport, or missed the stop on rail journey, it might be time to invest in a pair of Shokz OpenRun headphones. Originally marketed as headphones for fitness fanatics, runners or cyclists with a keen to steer clear of a prang with a car, […]
Tourism Western Australia MD Carolyn Turnbull departs
Turnbull hints her new role will see her staying in the tourism and hospitality industry and who can blame her?
DriveAway launches Brit-Euro Blitz campaign
If agents can put the foot down quick enough and get involved, there are some great prizes to be won.
Fly and Stay Free with the Great Southern
Unlike those dodgy scam phone calls you're getting more and more of, there's no strings attached to this deal.
Sober travel and TikTok guide Australian Gen Z trips
Can you call it a sober holiday if you enjoy a few glasses of red on the flight? We think yes.
Travel DAZE Exec Agenda REVEALED: top execs to speak on airline competition
As the industry reels from Bonza's implosion, it is more important than ever to ask the big questions.
TTC: Deals are driving up demand for September trips
The latest market research from TTC Tour Brands shows interest in international leisure travel remains high for 2024, with 77 per cent of Australians over 18 still planning trips this year. Notably, 28 per cent of those travellers are eyeing September for their journeys. Europe continues to be the most popular destination, with 68 per […]
Skroo says Rex will need deep pockets to fill lost Bonza slots
The door is open for Rex, and anyone else who wants to launch a regional Aussie airline...
Sno’n’Ski Holidays unveils 2025 mega famil to Colorado!
Let the games begin - this is certainly not a famil that you will want to miss!
Walk Japan launches Kyoto: Mountains to the sea walking tour
There are two types of people, one who enjoys walking on holiday and another who enjoys sipping Mojitos by the pool.
Which destination had a 48% boost in bookings following 10 MILLION TikTok views?
Here's a clue: it's not Malabar Beach.
Asher Telford appointed General Manager of SeaLink Whitsundays
Telford has plenty of reasons to smile after SeaLink doubles down and makes him GM after buying his tourism operation.
Qantas ‘working urgently’ to fix app data leak
Qantas is looking into customer reports that passengers have this morning been able to access other passengers’ personal information on the airlines app. X user Lachlan posted that he was able log into different accounts every time he opened the app. My @Qantas app logs me in to a different person each time I open […]
Hilton Expands Presence in North Queensland with the signing of Hilton Garden Inn Townsville
Heading to a North Queensland Cowboys clash? Hilton Garden Inn Townsville is set to open, but not until 2026.
Rail Europe ANZ: making dream journeys come true
Rail Europe's running a lottery! You're not going to win millions, but you might just snag a free holiday.
Bonza’s future on knife edge
It would seem a long road back from here, perhaps a knife's edge is too much credit.
Revamped Wailoaloa Beach hotel opens as Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa
Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa is open and ready for bookings after the first phase of a multi-million-dollar transformation. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ premium collection, the transformation has seen the completion of 106 guestrooms showcasing contemporary interiors reflective of the premium Crowne Plaza brand and is a first for the […]
Nielsen Data reveals brands spending big to attract Aussie tourists
Trip A Deal, Virgin and Ignite Travel walk into a bar, blow their cash on travel advertising instead of the pokies.
Kamalaya Koh Samui clinches clutch of wellness awards
Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa has so far clinched five prestigious awards in 2024, including being inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ at the World Spa & Wellness Awards in London. Founders of the Koh Samui sanctuary and spa John and Karina Stewart expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the awards. “We are profoundly honoured […]
Jetstar offers 200,000 return for free flights to celebrate 20th anniversary
Jetstar hits 20 and everyone else gets the presents with free return flights to domestic and international destinations.
Amora Hotels & Resorts set to double APAC portfolio, announces new Sydney office
Staff in the new Sydney office have been welcomed by a week of rain on the forecast.
RIU opens Chicago hotel and rooftop bar a few steps from the world-famous Magnificent Mile
Rooftop cocktails hold a dear place in your heart? Look no further than RIU Chicago.
How can travel agents best sell cruises? Uniworld’s Alice Ager tells all: Travel Weekly TV
Agents, you don't want to miss this. Yes, that's the case with everything in the newsletter, but we really mean it here!
South Africa bookings are back in action
It's a wrap! South Africa in the news with resumed flights, film fest and booking tech.
Agents’ chance to score free spot on Intrepid trip to Antarctica
This is the trip of a lifetime, even if you are scared of the cold!
Bonza nosediving amid mass cancellations and reports of repossessed planes
Bonza's days appear to be numbered as the low-cost carrier today announced mass cancellations around the country.
Amy Poehler joins Vivid Sydney event
Oh Joy! Hit comedian Amy Poehler will make an emotional appearance at the Sydney Opera House for Vivid.
Pullman Sydney Penrith ties up with Trilogy Hotels, announces new GM
The crew from Trilogy hotels doing their best impression of the Penrith front row here.
Linkd appoints Carolyn Nightingale and Lawson Dibb to new roles
Linkd Tourism sings praises of Carolyn Nightingale and dubs Lawson Dibb as Kyushu Tourism Office guru.