A teenager has been arrested after trying to board a plane with a shotgun and ammunition. He is in custody and will face a youth court.

Teen with gun overpowered by passengers on Australian plane

A 17-year-old armed with a shotgun was tackled by passengers and crew as he tried to board a plane in Australia.

The teen breached a security fence at Avalon Airport near Melbourne on Thursday and made it onto the tarmac. He then climbed the front steps of a plane bound for Sydney, where he was quickly overpowered near the entrance. The aircraft was carrying 160 passengers at the time.

Victoria Police have charged him with eight offenses, including unlawfully taking control of an aircraft, endangering flight safety, and making a bomb hoax. He remains in custody and will face a youth court.

A bomb squad was called to inspect a car and two bags found nearby. Footage from 7News shows a passenger restraining the suspect while ground crew and a pilot removed a utility belt he was carrying. The pilot was also seen kicking the shotgun away from him. The teen, wearing a fluorescent jacket, is from the Ballarat area.

Superintendent Michael Reid said passengers noticed the gun as the teen approached the plane, prompting the dramatic takedown.