A police officer is recovering after being attacked with a Molotov cocktail and set on fire near Canberra Airport on Friday.

David Burnett, 43, who allegedly crashed his ute into bollards outside a building at the Brindabella business park, has been charged over the incident.

Police said there were no national security concerns.

Police said Burnett walked into the building on Friday afternoon with knives strapped to his body and holding a bag containing two Molotov cocktails.

He allegedly threatened staff with a wooden pick handle until police arrived.

It was then alleged Burnett ignited one of the cocktails and threw it at a police officer, covering the officer's right leg in flames.

Members of the public came to the officer's aid and helped to extinguish the flames.

The incident ended in dramatic circumstances when Burnett was hit by a taser and arrested.

The officer was taken to hospital for treatment but escaped serious injury.

Burnett has been charged with acts of endangering life, act to cause public alarm and possess a knife without reasonable excuse.

He was due to face the ACT Magistrates Court, but was unable to due to concerns over his mental health.

Burnett was being treated at the Canberra Hospital, and will face court at a later date.