A bomb disposal unit was deployed at Avalon Airport in Victoria state on Thursday after security staff flagged a suspicious item that later turned out to be a laser hair removal device.
The airport was partially evacuated in the early hours after the object was detected during routine screening, prompting authorities to treat it as a potential threat.
Victoria Police later confirmed the item posed no danger.
âThe Bomb Response Unit conducted checks on an item, and it was determined to be a laser hair removal device,â police said in a statement.
Acting Inspector Nick Uebergang said the device, along with a hot chocolate container, had been left on a conveyor belt while officers were called to investigate.
He also noted that the situation was complicated by the behaviour of the passenger involved. âThe person who had the bag wasnât too cooperative with us to start off with too, which made things a little bit difficult,â he said.
The incident led to delays and cancellations of several flights at the airport, which temporarily disrupted operations.
Authorities later reopened the facility, confirming the item was âno longer deemed a riskâ and normal operations had resumed.
Airport officials said the response highlighted the effectiveness of aviation security procedures and the importance of precautionary measures to ensure passenger and staff safety.
