Man arrested for making threats on plane

A man was arrested at Melbourne airport today after making threats on board a plane that was about to take off, Australian police said.

A spokeswoman confirmed a male passenger was in custody, but said it was “too early to say if it was a hijack attempt”.

“We think it was more of a verbal threat,” she added. “We don’t think there was a weapon, but the crew were concerned enough to contact airport security and not proceed with the flight.”

Officers were questioning the man and searching the Virgin Blue plane, which had been due to fly to the north-eastern city of Brisbane.

The aircraft was taxiing onto the runway when passengers overheard the man make the threat. The crew alerted airport security who detained him.

A week ago, another passenger tried to storm the cockpit of a domestic Qantas flight ten minutes after take off from Melbourne airport. It had been heading for the southern island of Tasmania.

The man, who used two sharp wooden stakes to attack two flight attendants, was fought off by the cabin crew and other passengers. The plane swiftly turned back to Melbourne and landed safely.

David Mark Robinson, 40, of Melbourne was charged on Friday with attempted hijacking and committing violence against a crew member. He could be jailed for life if found guilty. He is due in court again on August 8.

Australia’s Virgin Blue airline is owned by Richard Branson.