‘Security scare’ grounds Qantas plane bound for Perth in Melbourne

A QANTAS plane bound for Perth was grounded in Melbourne on Saturday night for hours after a terror threat email was apparently sent to passengers.

Up to 50 passengers disembarked after the security scare.

Flight QF481 was due to take off at 6.50pm, but a middle-aged Perth woman, who asked to remain anonymous, said it was delayed after a few passengers received an email threat about the flight.

The pilot liaised with security staff before deciding it was safe to fly, the woman said.

But she was nervous about continuing and opted to disembark.

“I’m not a scaredy-cat and I’m sure the plane will land safely, but didn’t believe it was 100 per cent safe and didn’t want to fly given what happened,” the woman said.

The woman said Qantas booked her and about 50 other passengers alternative flights.

“I am grateful to Qantas staff and pilots who were supportive and respectful of our personal choice to get off.” she said.

“I totally respect those that stayed on the plane.”

A Qantas spokeswoman admitted a plane had been delayed, but denied it was due to a security breach.

She said AFP officers thoroughly checked the aircraft but were unable to locate anything of concern.

“Some passengers elected not to travel so there was a delay as bags were taken off and those passengers disembarked,” the spokeswoman said.

“There was no bomb threat.”