Etihad Airways helps Australian police with plane attack probe

Australian Federal Police on Monday beefed up security at Australian airports after four men were arrested last weekend in raids across Sydney.

"The Etihad Airways aviation security team is assisting the Australian Federal Police with its investigation and the matter is ongoing," said an Etihad statement carried by Reuters.

The name of the airline that was allegedly targeted has not yet been confirmed.

In an earlier statement, Etihad Airways had urged its passengers travelling to Australia to arrive at the airport early in light of the new security measures.

"While there is no direct impact on Etihad Airways’ operations, guests travelling from Australia are advised to arrive at the airport early and expect a longer process than usual,” it said. "The process may involve physical baggage checks prior to check-in and increased checks at security screening points.”

Media reports have said the alleged plot may have involved a bomb or plan to release a poisonous gas inside the aircraft. However, police have not confirmed such reports.

Australia’s immigration ministry said that stricter screening of passengers and luggage will remain in place indefinitely.

"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," said immigration minister Peter Dutton.

"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."