Man charged over alleged threats to blow up Perth Airport terminal, causing lockdown and flight delays
Consensus Summary
A 57-year-old Victorian man, Keiron Beau James Hedges, was charged on April 23, 2026, over alleged threats to 'blow up' Perth Airport’s Terminal 1 on April 22, 2026. The incident triggered a lockdown, evacuation, and flight disruptions after a suspicious backpack was found outside the terminal. Police declared the backpack safe, and the terminal reopened around 6:30 PM. Hedges was arrested in Perth’s CBD and faced court, where one charge was dropped. The Australian Federal Police emphasized zero tolerance for aviation security threats, while passengers reported delays and chaos. The AFP urged the public to report suspicious activity.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Keiron Beau James Hedges, 57, appeared in Perth Magistrates Court on April 23, 2026, charged with making a false communication inferred as a threat to a Commonwealth aerodrome (Perth Airport Terminal 1).
- The incident occurred on April 22, 2026, at Perth Airport’s Terminal 1, leading to its evacuation and flight delays.
- A suspicious unattended backpack was found outside Terminal 1, prompting an exclusion zone and bomb squad investigation.
- Terminal 1 was closed for several hours, with passengers allowed back in at around 6:30 PM on April 22, 2026.
- Hedges was arrested in Perth’s CBD shortly after the incident and initially faced two charges, with one later dropped.
- AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Peter Brindal stated threats to aviation security would not be tolerated, emphasizing safe travel for passengers.
- The backpack was declared safe by the WA Police bomb squad, allowing the airport to resume operations.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Hedges told the court there was a misunderstanding about 'what I actually meant when I said that' regarding the threat.
- Passenger Austin (name only) reported seeing groups outside the terminal and delays for his interstate flight.
- The first charge against Hedges was dropped, and bail was opposed by the magistrate.
- Passengers arriving in Perth were held on the tarmac, and others faced delays checking in or missed connecting flights.
- The AFP thanked the public for reporting suspicious activity and provided the number 131 237 for such reports.
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- ABC reports Hedges was not represented in court, while NEWSCOMAU does not mention his legal representation status.
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