Victorian Man Faces Court After Alleged Threats Paralyze Perth Airport

Keiron Hedges, 57, faced court after allegedly making threats and leaving a backpack that triggered a bomb squad response and travel chaos at Perth Airport.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 23, 2026, 9:41 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

Security Breach and Bomb Squad Deployment

The incident began on Wednesday when Hedges allegedly entered the Perth Airport international terminal and made verbal threats concerning the facility's safety. According to the AFP, a suspicious, unattended backpack was subsequently located outside the terminal building. Authorities were able to link the luggage back to the 57 year old Victorian man, leading to the immediate activation of emergency protocols.

In response to the discovery, the Western Australia Police Force bomb squad was dispatched to the scene. Officers established a strict exclusion zone, effectively locking down the terminal and its immediate surroundings. The area remained cordoned off for several hours while specialized technicians assessed the item before declaring the scene safe and allowing the airport to resume operations.

Widespread Disruption to Aviation Operations

The security alert triggered significant logistical failures across the airport's schedule. Thousands of passengers were caught in the middle of the chaos, with many departing travelers forced to wait in large crowds outside the terminal buildings. Those arriving from international destinations faced even more direct confinement, with reports indicating that several aircraft were held on the tarmac for extended periods while the terminal was cleared.

The ripple effect of the lockdown led to missed connecting flights, significant delays in check-in procedures, and a backlog of passenger processing that lasted well into the night. While the physical safety of the airport was eventually confirmed, the economic and personal impact on travelers was substantial, with many citing the lack of information during the height of the exclusion zone as a major point of frustration.