Security at airports across Australia is under scrutiny after a man broke into Parafield Airport in Adelaide’s north-east yesterday.

The incident occurred at around 3:30pm, when the man was spotted breaching the perimeter fence and running along the runway. 

Emergency services, including Star Group officers and the Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS), were dispatched to the scene, however the suspect got away.

An investigation is underway to determine how the man gained access to the secure area. Authorities are examining all potential entry points, including the airport’s stormwater drainage system. 

“Accessing drains is a very simple way of getting into an airport and breaching the security fences,” aviation expert Geoffrey Thomas said.

He labelled the security lapse that allowed the intruder in “grossly irresponsible”.

“It could have been an act of terrorism and in a worst-case scenario, the response group could in actual fact take the person responsible down,” he said.

The incident has triggered calls for comprehensive security reviews at airports nationwide, including Adelaide Airport. 

“It’s a warning to all airports around Australia to have a very robust review of every access to the interior of the airport no matter how silly it may seem,” Thomas said.

The man who broke into Parafield Airport is yet to be located.