Trespasser Charged After Melbourne Airport Airfield Breach

A 25‑year‑old man has been charged after allegedly running onto the active airfield at Melbourne Airport late Tuesday night, prompting a go‑around by an arriving Qantas aircraft and temporary disruption to airport operations.

Australian Federal Police said officers responded to reports of an unauthorised person on the airfield near a live runway at around 11:35 pm and arrested the man after he breached the perimeter and gained access to the operational surface. The individual was taken into custody by AFP and later transferred to a hospital for assessment under mental health legislation ahead of a scheduled court appearance.

The incident occurred as Qantas flight QF782 from Perth was on final approach. Crew were alerted to the presence of the trespasser and executed a go‑around, an immediate climb and repositioning manoeuvre, delaying the aircraft’s landing by approximately 17 minutes. Two other flights were also held on the ground while authorities secured the scene and ensured the runway was clear before resume operations.

The man was formally charged with endangering the safety of aerodromes and trespassing on Commonwealth land, offences that reflect the severity of entering restricted aviation safety zones without authorisation. After his arrest, he was taken to Northern Hospital in Epping before appearing before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court under the relevant provisions of Australia’s Mental Health and Wellbeing framework.

Airport officials underscored that the safety and security of passengers, airline crews and staff remained the top priority throughout the response. Melbourne Airport’s airside operations team played a key role in containing and handing over the suspect to law enforcement, while Australian Federal Police coordinated efforts to manage the evolving situation.

The episode arrives amid ongoing essential maintenance work at the airport, with the east–west runway scheduled for overnight closures over the next several months to support a once‑in‑a‑decade resurfacing and lighting upgrade. During this period, all flights are being managed via the north‑south runway outside peak hours, a factor that authorities said will maintain flexibility and operational continuity.

Trespassing incidents on controlled airfields are rare but carry significant safety risk, as even brief incursions onto runways or taxiways can endanger aircraft operations and lead to broader disruption. The Qantas go‑around underscores how rapidly flight crews and airport personnel must react to unexpected hazards, employing established safety protocols to protect aircraft and passengers.

Following the incident, airport management reiterated its commitment to rigorous perimeter security and close cooperation with federal and state authorities to prevent and respond to airfield breaches. Comprehensive debriefs between operational teams and law enforcement are expected in the coming days to review the response and consider any additional measures to enhance airfield integrity.

The disruption, while short‑lived, highlights the complex interplay between airport infrastructure, security protocols and aircraft operations, and reinforces the aviation sector’s focus on maintaining secure access to critical airside environments.