PERTH – A major security operation sparked chaos at Perth Airport on Wednesday afternoon, leaving thousands of international travelers stranded after a suspicious item was discovered at Terminal 1 (T1).

Incident Overview

The international wing was plunged into a state of emergency for more than two hours after authorities identified an "unattended item" on the Terminal 1 forecourt. This prompted an immediate response from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and WA Police, who established a strict exclusion zone as a precautionary measure.

Impact on Operations

The lockdown led to significant disruptions across the airport's infrastructure:

  • Terminal Closure: The T1 check-in areas were temporarily closed to both passengers and staff.
  • Parking & Traffic: The Terminal 1 Short Term Car Park was shut down, with all traffic being redirected to Terminal 2.
  • Grounded Flights: Several departing flights were held on the runway, and arriving aircraft were prevented from disembarking passengers.

Passenger Experiences

Inside the terminal and on the tarmac, the atmosphere was described as tense and frustrating. Thousands of travelers were caught in the "AFP incident" with minimal communication:

  • Tarmac Delays: Arriving passengers, including those from high-traffic routes like Bali, were held on planes for nearly an hour with no updates from pilots.
  • Customs Chaos: Inside the building, massive queues formed at customs. Witnesses reported that staff handed out water to passengers, including families with young children who were struggling with the long wait and lack of information.
  • Missed Connections: Many travelers expressed deep concern over missing their connecting flights, particularly those heading to New Zealand and other international destinations.

Official Statements

A spokesperson for Perth Airport confirmed that the investigation concluded late Wednesday afternoon.

"The investigation has now concluded, and the impacted areas are beginning to reopen. Perth Airport is working closely with airline partners and relevant agencies to return operations to normal as quickly as possible," the statement read.

Current Status

While the exclusion zone has been lifted and the terminal is back in operation, authorities have warned that significant knock-on delays are expected throughout the evening. Travelers are being urged to check directly with their airlines for the most up-to-date flight information before heading to the airport.