On November 26, 2008 it was reported that Mount Isa emergency crews were called after a potentially toxic white powder was dropped by some of the passengers in the the departure lounge. 

“The police cornered off the area and took a suspect into custody, fire crews prepared to test if the powder was toxic, a group of schoolchildren were locked into the departure lounge and paramedics were on the scene in case of injury,” it was reported. 

“Luckily, though it was all just part of a training drill. 

“Exercise AIRX08 was part of an annual safety exercise for Mount Isa Airport and local emergency services.

“Townsville Airport manager of aviation and security and the exercise director Rod Ward said yesterday’s simulation was an opportunity for the airport staff and emergency services to test their communication and liaison abilities.”

The simulation was temporarily interrupted when Dominoes Pizza team supervisor Hans Larson arrived on the scene. 

“As I drove in I thought what the heck is going on here?,” he said. 

“I saw there were a lot of police around so I thought it must be something serious.”

Mr Larson had arrived to deliver 15 pizzas for the crew. However, he was unaware he had entered an emergency zone. 

The simulation was temporarily suspended while airport crew quickly carried away the pizza for post simulation celebrations.