Victorian man Keiron Beau James Hedges, 57, confronted court docket over alleged threats that threw Perth Airport into lockdown | UNW

A Victorian man has faced court over alleged threats that sent Perth Airport into lockdown and disrupted passenger flights.

Keiron Beau James Hedges, 57, appeared in the Perth Magistrates Court on Thursday charged with making a false communication which could be inferred as a threat to a Commonwealth aerodrome.

Australian Federal Police (AFP) allege Mr Hedges entered the international terminal and made threats about the safety on the airport on Wednesday.

Police allegedly found an unattended backpack outside the terminal and linked it back to the 57-year-old Victorian.

The bomb squad was called in and an exclusion zone was set up until police declared it was safe for the airport to resume normal operations.

Thousands of passengers were thrown into chaos as travellers were forced to wait outside and people arriving from overseas facing long queues.

News.com.au reported passengers that landed in Perth were held on the tarmac while the incident unfolded, and others departing faced delays checking in and missed connecting flights.

Police later located the man in Perth’s CBD where he was arrested.

AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Peter Brindal said the AFP and its partners would not tolerate threats to aviation security.

“Travelling through airports should be a safe experience for passengers, staff and airline crew alike,” he said.

“We want to thank members of the public for reporting suspicious activity at airports – if you do see anything that doesn’t look right, please report it to 131 237.

“The AFP will continue to work closely with airline partners to deal with any behaviour that interferes with aviation security.”