Australia Steps up Airport Security After Alleged Bomb Plot

Security screenings have been ramped up at all Australian airports following what is believed to be a foiled plan aimed at downing a plane.

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Immigration and Border Protection Minister Peter Dutton said: "The security measures at the airports will be in place for as long as we believe they need to be, so it may go on for some time yet." He added that "It may be that we need to look at the security settings at our airports, in particular, our domestic airports, for an ongoing enduring period."

Four men are currently being questioned in relation to the alleged "Islamic-inspired" plot. The men are being held without charge under special terror-related powers.

They are Khaled Merhi, Khaled Khayat, Mahmoud Khayat and Abdul Merhi, ranging in ages from their 30s to 50s.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull described the plot as “major’’ and “elaborate.’’

Australian Federal Police (AFP) did not confirm the media reports which stated that the bomb was disguised in a meat grinder or that there was a plan to release the poisonous gas inside an aircraft.

On Monday, AFP Commissioner Andrew Colvin told reporters that the plot specifics were still being investigated.

"What you are seeing at the moment is making sure that there is extra vigilance, to make sure that we aren't cutting any corners in our security, to make sure that we are absolutely focused on our security," Colvin said.

Dutton advised passengers to arrive at airports three hours prior to international flights and two hours before domestic flights in order to facilitate the new security measures that were put in place.

Interstate travelers, however, will experience less hassle since there are no formal identification checks for domestic trips.