An influencer sparked a major security scare after sneaking onto a runway with his friends to film aircraft taking off just feet away.

The incident took place at the Tom Jobim International Airport, a major air hub in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Thiago Jatoba, who has more than 130,000 followers on Instagram, led a group of friends, including his brother, past security and into the restricted airside zone without authorisation, local media reported on 20th May.

Videos posted to social media show the group climbing over a barbed wire fence as they break into the restricted area and then standing just feet away from commercial jets as they roar down the runway.

In one clip, Jatoba can be seen grinning as a plane speeds past, with only a low barrier and grass strip separating him from the aircraft.

The breach occurred at night, raising further questions about airport security at the international terminal.

Jatoba and his crew filmed multiple take-offs and landings and posted the footage across several platforms.

Federal police in Brazil have launched an investigation and confirmed the group are now being formally investigated.

Airport operator RIOgaleao said it was co-operating with authorities to establish exactly how the breach occurred.

Security footage is being reviewed to trace the group’s movements before and after the incursion.

If found guilty of invading restricted airport space, Jatoba and the others involved could face criminal charges under Brazilian law and two to five years in jail.

(MJ Leidig/newsX)