Sydney  - The motorcycle gang boss who was present when a rival was bludgeoned to death in the arrivals hall of Australia's busiest airport last month was charged Monday.

Comanchero boss Mahmoud Hawi, 28, is the sixth gang member arrested over the death of Hell's Angels member Anthony Zervas in front of horrified travelers.

The March 22 slaying sparked fears of an all-out war between motorcycle gangs over control of the illicit drug trade and protection rackets.

A week after Zervas was bashed to death with the metal poles used to facilitate queuing at the airport, an unknown gunman repeatedly shot his brother, Peter Zervas, as the Hell's Angel leader sat in his car.

The deaths prompted the New South Wales state government to rush through legislation that allows officials to ban gangs in the same way terrorist organizations are banned.

Those who defy the ban by wearing motorcycle gang insignia or associating with its members risk five years in jail.

Police say they are confident of pressing murder charges over the brawl at Sydney airport.

"Given the number of people who were in the airport we have spoken to, who have given us statements, I'm confident at the end of the day that there will be someone charged with that very serious offence," Deputy Commissioner Paul Carey told reporters. (dpa)