(CNN) Police in Australia have launched an investigation after pilots on approach into the Melbourne area received fake air traffic control communications. Authorities now believe that the unknown individual has been using a portable transmitter from nearby airport car parks to target incoming passenger flights, according to CNN affiliate 7 News. Repeated security breachesOn several occasions, the hoaxer contacted planes making their final approach, pretending to be from the control tower. ABC News, a local media service, reported one incident where flight data viewed on FlightRadar24 shows the plane was within 275 feet of the runway at Melbourne Airport before the plane began climbing again. Airservices, Australia's air navigation service provider, said that no passenger safety was compromised on any of the flights as a result of the fake radio calls to pilots.

Source: CNN November 08, 2016 16:52 UTC