One man was killed Sunday in a brawl between biker gang members that took place in broad daylight at the airport in Sydney, Australia, while horrified travellers watched.

Police said 15 men were involved in the violence, which spread from the ground floor of the main terminal and up one level to the departures hall before most of the men fled.

"It would appear a group of males exited the plane. They were met by another group of males, who we believe may be other motorcycle gang members, and a fight ensued, " said Det.-Insp. Peter Williams of the New South Wales police.

"The fight moved through various parts of the terminal."

One witness said some of the men were swinging metal poles like swords.

Four men were arrested and later charged with fighting in a public place, police said. They could face up to two years in prison if convicted. The others escaped, some of them by hailing taxis, local media reported. Police did not identify the gangs suspected in the violence.

Authorities fear a gang war is brewing in Sydney following string of drive-by shootings and an explosion last month outside a fortified Hells Angels clubhouse.

With files from the Associated Press