Alleged 'Black Flight' Pilot Arrested at Brisbane Airport

Australian Federal Police have charged Jay Davis, a 32-year-old man from Queensland, with two counts of people smuggling. Authorities allege Davis piloted a clandestine flight, known as a 'black flight,' which transported two wanted men from New South Wales to Indonesia in 2025. The flight operated with its transponder deactivated until reaching international waters, eventually landing in Merauke, Indonesia, where the fugitives were detained and the aircraft seized.

Davis was arrested at Brisbane Airport on Thursday night upon his arrival from Indonesia, where he had been held in detention. He faced the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday, and his case has been adjourned until September. This charge follows an earlier arrest in March of Grant Schultz, 42, the owner of a central Queensland aviation company, who is accused of organizing the flight for the two Sydney men. Court documents identified the alleged fugitives as Zulfukar Aljubouri and Duong Tan Le, one of whom is on bail for alleged kidnapping offenses, and the other has outstanding warrants for alleged drug supply and manufacture.

Detective Superintendent Adrian Telfer of the AFP emphasized the extreme danger associated with such operations. "These flights are extremely reckless and anyone taking part is seriously risking their life and those on board," Telfer stated. The AFP investigation into the matter began in November. Davis faces a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment for the people smuggling charges. He was granted bail.

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These flights are extremely reckless and anyone taking part is seriously risking their life and those on board.