In short:
A laser hair removal device triggered a full bomb scare at Avalon Airport on Thursday, 21 May 2026, prompting the evacuation of the domestic terminal and a callout from the Bomb Response Unit. Flights were delayed and one person detained before the item was cleared and determined to pose no threat.
Terminal cordoned off, flights delayed.
A laser hair removal device has brought Avalon Airport to a standstill, triggering a full evacuation, a Bomb Response Unit callout and widespread flight delays on Thursday, 21 May 2026.
Emergency services were called to the domestic terminal just before 6:00am AEST after the item was flagged during the security screening process — setting off a response more commonly associated with a genuine explosive threat.
“The domestic terminal at Melbourne Avalon Airport was evacuated this morning following the identification of a suspicious item during the screening process,” an airport spokesperson said. “Victoria Police attended and an individual has been detained.”
The Bomb Response Unit attended and conducted a full sweep before determining the item was, in fact, a laser hair removal device. The terminal was evacuated, the surrounding area cordoned off and flights delayed — all for a piece of beauty equipment.
It is a reminder of just how seriously aviation security is taken at Australian airports, where an unidentified item in a screening tray can bring an entire terminal to its knees regardless of what it turns out to be.
It is not the first time aviation security has come under scrutiny in the area. A Wyndham teenager was previously charged with endangering aircraft in a separate incident that drew significant local attention.
Avalon Airport serves as a key aviation hub for Melbourne’s south-west and the broader Wyndham region. Passengers are advised to check with their airline for updates on affected services.
