Australian airline Jetstar have come under fire after one of their cabin crew members warned passengers to dispose of any illegal substances they had ahead of sniffer dogs waiting in the arrivals area.

The flight was going from Byron Bay to Sydney in Australia and was reportedly filled with people returning from the Splendor In The Grass festival.

The Metro newspaper reports that the airline employee made the following announcment: ‘We have been told there are sniffer dogs and quarantine officers waiting in the domestic terminal.

‘If you need to dispose of anything you shouldn’t have we suggest you flush it now.’

They also reported that the announcement was followed by a massive rush of passengers to the airplane toilet.

Jetstar have made a statement confirming that the announcement was made by an ‘over-zealous, casual employee’.

A spokesperson for the airline has apologised and said: ‘The crew member’s words were poorly chosen and are plainly at odds with the professional standards we’d ­expect from our team.

‘We’re addressing the matter with the cabin crew member involved.’

Some passengers were angry about the announcement, saying they shouldn't be warning people who are breaking the law. One passenger said: “Why would you tip people off about this? If they have got something illegal, let them get caught.”

While others were pretty happy with the forewarning: 'Thank you for caring for your Splendour passengers. Very thoughtful and kind thing to do.

'Hope the staff member will be promoted.'