Australia foils plot to blow up plane

SYDNEY: Security has been tightened at Australian airports after police foiled plans for a bomb attack on an aircraft during counter-terrorism raids in which four men were arrested, authorities said today.
The increased security presence caused minor delays for some air transport operators today and authorities warned travellers to prepare for potentially more significant disruptions as traffic picked up during the week.
"In recent days, law enforcement has become aware of information that suggested some people in Sydney were planning to commit a terrorist act using an improvised device," Australian federal police commissioner Andrew Colvin said during a press conference with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull today.
"We do believe it is terrorism. Exactly what is behind this is something that we will need to investigate fully.
"At this time we don't have a great deal of information on the specific attack, the location, date or time. However, we are investigating information indicating that the aviation industry was potentially a target."
Five properties were searched yesterday across the Sydney suburbs of Surry Hills, Lakemba, Punchbowl and Wiley Park.
The commissioner said four of those searches may continue for days.
A police spokesman told Reuters the four men, who were arrested yesterday, had not been charged as of today.
Turnbull said advice from Australian security and intelligence agencies had led to increased security measures at Sydney airport on Thursday with tighter security implemented at the country's other domestic and international airports yesterday.
"Some of the measures will be obvious to the public, some will not be," Turnbull said.
Colvin said travellers could expect an increased police and security agency presence at airports.
"You can expect longer delays to make sure that more screening is being done on baggage, both hold luggage as well as hand luggage," he said, adding travellers should allow more time to get through security.
Disruptions at the nation's airports appeared to be minimal today.
An Adelaide Airport spokesman reported delays of 30 minutes for some flights but said traffic was otherwise smooth.
A spokesman for Melbourne Airport said it is preparing for delays during peak weekday periods. – Reuters