A major emergency response is underway and an airport has been shut down after a suspicious item was detected.

Avalon Airport has been shut down in Victoria, and surrounding roads have been blocked off.

The airport, near Geelong and Melbourne, has turned people away, and was even forced to hold passengers from a flight in an area of a carpark as the bomb squad moved in.

Victoria Police confirmed they are currently at the scene.

“Police are conducting a safety check at Avalon Airport,” a spokesperson told The Nightly.

“Emergency services were called to the premises just before 6am on 21 May.

“The building has been evacuated and area cordoned off as a precaution while the investigation is ongoing.”

A bomb response robot was seen by the 7NEWS chopper entering the airport on Thursday morning.

Melbourne Avalon Airport confirmed that the airport was closed due to a suspicious item, claiming a person had now been detained.

“The domestic terminal at Melbourne Avalon Airport was evacuated this morning following the identification of a suspicious item during the screening process,” a spokesperson confirmed.

“Victoria Police attended and an individual has been detained.

“At this stage, passengers are being advised that, due to safety precautions, delays are expected to the Brisbane flight this morning. We will provide further updates regarding any additional delays as more information becomes available.”

“Everyone is being turned away and asked to park on the road,” a person told Geelong Radio station Bay 93.9.

“We pulled up next to someone who said it was apparently a bomb scare.

“There’s cars everywhere outside.”

Jetstar passengers have received a message from the airline confirming Avalon Airport is now closed.

“There is a security incident at Avalon Airport this morning and the airport is currently closed. There are also road closures around the airport to be aware of.

“We apologise for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience.”

More to come...