POLICE have launched a full investigation into a bomb threat called in to the Mount Isa Airport that caused chaos among staff and passengers.
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Acting Inspector Guy Harvey said the threat had been made to the airport via the telephone yesterday morning at approximately 9am, resulting in all flights being suspended.
“A threat was received by the airport management this morning,” he said.
“I can confirm that it (bomb threat) was over the phone but I don’t want to go into too much detail.”
More than five outgoing flights experienced lengthy delays, and at least one flight entering Mount Isa airspace from Brisbane was turned back.
Hundreds of people, including staff and passengers were evacuated from the building and spent up to four hours waiting on the opposite side of the Barkly Highway for answers.
Police Inspector Trevor Kidd said there had been no injuries sustained to persons or property, but a full scale investigation was taking place.
“We take any threats of this nature very seriously,” he said.
A PCYC bus and a number of taxis had been called to the site to transport people away from the area.
Some senior citizens who were evacuated from the building were being treated by ambulance officers for heat related issues.
One passenger who was trying to make his way to Newcastle via Brisbane said his flight had been delayed a number of times, before he was told to evacuate the building by an airport staff member.
“I just heard a copper confirm it was a bomb threat,” he said.
“First it was delays then it was evacuating the building.”
Acting Inspector Guy Harvey said the matter would be investigated by the Mount Isa Criminal Investigation branch detectives.
“We are very keen to ascertain who the perpetrator is and they will be charges with a criminal offence, that has a maximum of five years imprisonment,” he said.
Acting Inspector Harvey said a large number of people were inconvenienced by the incident, both in Mount Isa and throughout the country on connecting flights.
“There are a lot of people put out by this and a lot of disgruntled people involved,” he said.
Police have urged anyone with any information relating to the incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800333000 or the Mount Isa Police Station on 47441111
