AN alleged plot to detonate a bomb on an international passenger flight would have placed the plane over Dubbo or Gilgandra at the time of the explosion.
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On Tuesday, Lebanese authorities revealed they had been monitoring four members of the Khayat family after one brother moved to Syria a year ago to fight with Islamic State.
They alleged the men tried to smuggle two bombs onto the aircraft, one hidden in a Barbie doll and one in a meat mincer.
The Etihad flight from Sydney to Abu Dhabi on July 15 was carrying 400 passengers, including 120 Lebanese nationals.
A fourth brother was supposed to carry the two bombs on board and detonate one after 20 minutes, which would have placed it in the airspace over the Dubbo-Gilgandra area.
However, the bag was seven kilograms over the weight limit so it was not checked in, Lebanese Interior Minister Nohad Machnouk said.
One of four men detained over the alleged plot has appeared in a Sydney court.
Khaled Merhi, 40, was allegedly found with a taser in his home.
He was arrested at his family's home on July 29 in one of five raids across Sydney relating to an alleged plot to bring down a plane with a bomb concealed in a meat mincer.
He was detained for seven days then released without any charges relating to the alleged plot.
However, police later charged him with possession of a prohibited weapon.
At Mr Merhi's first appearance in the Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday, his lawyer entered a plea of not guilty.
His brother, Abdul Merhi, was also released without charge following the raids.
Brothers Khaled and Mahmoud Khayat, who are related to the Merhi brothers through marriage, were both charged with plotting the attack.
Amer Khayat allegedly gave the bag to Khaled Khayat who allegedly took it back home to his Lakemba unit and dismantled it.
Amer Khayat continued on the flight but was detained when he arrived in Lebanon.
Fairfax Media understands Australian authorities had no information relating to a Barbie doll.
The revelations about Amer Khayat contradict information from the federal police, who alleged last month that Amer Khayat was an unwitting stooge.
Khaled Khayat and Mahmoud Khayat will reappear in court in November. Khaled Merhi's matter was adjourned until October.