Providing an update to media today on Sunday’s shooting inside the main terminal building, Canberra Airport CEO Stephen Byron described the incident as happening “out of the blue”.
Centre and right: Three separate bullet holes in three glass panels at the entrance to the airport. Photos: Kerrie Brewer.
Mr Byron confirmed no one was injured and he is pleased with the immediate response from airport staff and the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
He was not able to speak on the shooter’s possible motive and said that will be the prerogative of the police and court systems.
“This incident has happened, it was an incident out of the blue…” Mr Byron said.
“The gentleman chose a very quiet area of the check-in, quite away from the actual activities and from the staff, but the staff could hear and see a man firing a gun and, of course, they took all the measures to protect themselves and indeed to protect the travelling members of the public.”
All normal activities have resumed at the airport and there are no expected delays for travellers, although there is a continued police presence.
There will be a standard review of the incident and how each party involved responded, which is a normal process; however, Mr Byron said any wider review will be a matter for the Australian Government and AFP over the coming months.
He said there have been no changes to security at Canberra Airport and he is confident in the current measures in place.
Canberra Airport operates like any other airport around the world, with a public area where people are free to roam in and out, he said.
Three glass panels were damaged during the shooting, each presenting with one gunshot.
Mr Byron said the panels will be assessed for structural integrity today and a protective film will be placed over them before being replaced.
He confirmed seven flights were cancelled on Sunday – five Qantas and two Virgin flights – and every other flight was able to take off with a maximum of a three and a half hour delay.
Mr Byron said travellers are today making their way through Canberra Airport calmly with the “normal bubble of excitement moving through the terminal”.
Ongoing support for airport staff will be provided, and any member of the public who was affected by the shooting and would like support is asked to contact Canberra Airport customer care.
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