Terrorist Attempts to Hijack Passenger Jet in ‘Bizarre’ Plot

Australian authorities say they’ve foiled a chilling alleged terror plot involving plans to hijack a commercial passenger jet and fly it to the Middle East.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) confirmed a suspect is now in custody following what’s being described as a “bizarre” attempt to seize control of a jet at an Australian airport. Officials believe the alleged hijacker intended to force the plane to make several refueling stops on the way to its overseas destination.

According to The Australian, intelligence agencies and the AFP have been running an extensive investigation for months. While few details have been released due to suppression orders, sources say security has now been ramped up at major and secondary airports across the country.

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reportedly been briefed on the plot, and authorities are also investigating whether antisemitism may have played a role in the alleged motive.

Pilot David Oliver called the foiled attempt “quite bizarre,” stressing on Sunrise that strict security protocols make accessing a flight deck nearly impossible. “There are layers of security for both airport workers and passengers,” Oliver explained. “It would be very difficult to get into the cockpit these days.”

Health Minister Mark Butler said reports of a potential hijacking “send shivers down the spine,” underscoring the seriousness of the alleged plan.

Officials have not yet released the suspect’s identity, and the case remains before the courts.