A viral stunt at one of Australia’s busiest airports has sparked widespread outrage and concern.

What seemed like a harmless prank has quickly turned into a heated debate over safety, social media culture, and the lengths some will go for fame.

What started as a light-hearted attempt to entertain has now put both the performer and airport protocols under intense scrutiny.


In June last year, bodybuilder Preslie Ginoski, 23, caused a stir when he climbed into the inlet of a stationary jet engine at Sydney Airport to do push-ups.

Filming the stunt, Ginoski performed several push-ups and flexed his biceps for the camera as the plane's propellers spun behind him.

The video, uploaded to social media, quickly went viral, attracting millions of views.


However, the stunt sparked outrage, with many viewers condemning it as 'dangerous' and 'lunacy.'

Sydney Airport was quick to respond, emphasising its 'zero tolerance for unsafe behaviour on the airfield' and reinforcing the seriousness of safety breaches.

A spokesperson for the airport stated: 'Sydney Airport has zero tolerance for unsafe behaviour on the airfield, and we take all reports of potential safety breaches extremely seriously.'

Despite the backlash, Ginoski defended his actions when speaking to the media, insisting the stunt had been misunderstood.

'I just wanted people to get a laugh about it,' he said.

'Like it's [as if] I've just got off the plane and I'm going to work out.'


He clarified that the plane had been stationary on the tarmac and was not due to depart until the next day, assuring that there was no risk to passengers or flight crew.

Ginoski also downplayed the dangers, saying: 'The plane was parked on bay and wasn't moving until the next day.'

Many viewers, however, were unconvinced, labelling the stunt as 'stupid' and 'moronic.'

'Lock the vain lunatic up! Better yet, take away all mirrors and cameras. That would be the best punishment,' one commenter wrote.

Others blamed 'influencer culture' for the reckless behaviour, claiming Ginoski sought viral fame at the expense of his safety.

'See what social media is making people do,' one critic remarked.

Still, Ginoski remained largely unfazed by the criticisms and expressed his intent to simply brighten people's day with the stunt.


The former construction manager and DJ explained: 'I do personal training and like making funny videos on social media and engaging young gym-goers.'

In response to concerns about the safety of the stunt, Ginoski noted: 'A lot of people have missed the fact that it was totally safe.'

He also rejected claims that the plane was operating, explaining that many had misinterpreted initial reports about him climbing into an 'operating aeroplane jet engine.'

He remarked: 'There's a lot of confusion about the fact that it was moving in the wind.'

Further, Ginoski argued that it was not unusual for people to sit inside a stationary jet engine for photos, adding: 'Flight attendants and pilots always sit in the engines, it's just because they're taking photos that the turbines look stable.'


The video, which had garnered more than two million views on social media, was eventually removed for breaching community guidelines.

As of now, it remains unclear what action Sydney Airport will take following its investigation into the incident.

A spokesperson for the airport reassured the public: 'The safety of passengers, airport workers, and airport operations is our highest priority, and we have strict protocols in place to ensure compliance with all safety policies.'

They added: 'We will take appropriate action based on the findings of the investigation.'


Watch the full video of the stunt below.



With so much controversy surrounding the stunt, it begs the question: did the bodybuilder take it too far for a viral moment, or was it all just harmless fun? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!