‘Not a prank’: Man booted from flight after allegedly making bomb threat on Sydney flight

A Montenegrin man has been booted off a flight and arrested after allegedly saying he had a bomb while flying from Sydney to Malaysia.

The 44-year-old man was on a Turkish Airlines plane as it was preparing to fly from Sydney to Malaysia on Sunday when he was asked about a piece of electrical equipment in his hand.

The Montenegro national then allegedly told the crew he was holding a bomb.

After being notified, the captain returned the plane to the gate to remove the passenger.

According to the captain, the man was holding what appeared to be a wireless phone charger.

Officers then told the passengers sitting near the man to move seats as a precaution.

Once police boarded the aircraft, the man was arrested and removed from the plane.

He was charged with one count of threatening aviation security, which carries a maximum $10,500 fine if convicted.

He is set to face court on Tuesday.

Australian Federal Police Detective Superintendent Davina Copelin said even joking about having a bomb could lead to serious consequences.

“Airports operate under strict security protocols to keep passengers, staff and airline crew safe, and any comment suggesting the presence of a bomb or explosive device will be treated seriously,” she said.

“What some people may consider a joke can cause significant disruption, trigger emergency responses and divert security resources away from genuine threats.”

Superintendent Copelin said the AFP would take action against anyone ”whose behaviour compromises that security”.

“Making a false claim about a bomb is not a prank – it is a criminal matter that can result in prosecution and substantial penalties,” she said.

“The AFP will continue to work closely with airport and airline partners to ensure the safety and security of Australia’s aviation network and will take action against anyone whose behaviour compromises that security.”