9 Sep 2021

Christchurch Airport resumes services after bomb scare

2:10 pm on 9 September 2021

Christchurch Airport says its domestic terminal has re-opened and people are able to re-enter, following a bomb scare this morning.

Christchurch Airport terminal was evacuated while Aviation Security and police dealt with an incident.

An item of interest was found in a bag at the screening checkpoint, police said. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon

An airport spokesperson says level 1 of the terminal was evacuated soon after 8am today, after a suspicious item was found at the screening point.

Christchurch Airport terminal was evacuated while Aviation Security and police dealt with an incident.

Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon

A police spokesperson said the domestic terminal was evacuated as a precaution.

"This has now been resolved and no issue was found," police said in a statement. "People are now being allowed back into the terminal. Police would like to thank the public for their co-operation while enquiries were being made."

Police earlier said no threats had been made.

Christchurch Airport terminal was evacuated while Aviation Security and police dealt with an incident.

Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon

The New Zealand Defence Force's Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit was notified and would attend as a precaution, police said.

Christchurch Airport terminal was evacuated while Aviation Security and police dealt with an incident.

Passengers outside the domestic terminal which was evacuated as a precaution. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon

Several flights have been affected and several hundred passengers impacted.

The terminal has re-opened and people are re-entering.