Australian Federal Police (AFP) have arrested a Brisbane man accused of piloting an unauthorized flight that allegedly facilitated the escape of two fugitives from Australia to Indonesia. The 32-year-old pilot was apprehended Thursday evening at Brisbane Airport upon his return from Indonesia.

Authorities say the man, together with an Indonesian co-pilot, operated what is described as a "black flight"—an unauthorized aircraft operation that typically involves filing false or no flight plans, flying at low altitude, or disabling flight tracking systems. The illicit flight reportedly departed from Port Stewart in Far North Queensland and landed in Merauke, Indonesia.

Police allege that two wanted individuals boarded the flight in Australia and disembarked in Merauke, where local authorities intercepted the aircraft and seized it. The fugitives, both Australians, were detained in South Papua earlier this year, marking the start of the AFP’s investigation in November 2025.

One of the men, aged 34, was on bail for kidnapping offenses and was legally barred from international travel. The other, aged 35, faced outstanding arrest warrants related to commercial drug supply and manufacture. Both men were among four individuals aboard the flight.

The pilot is scheduled to appear in court on Friday to face charges linked to the operation of the illegal flight and his alleged role in aiding the escape of the wanted men. The AFP continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the unauthorized flight and the involvement of other parties.