Auckland Airport relaxes security restrictions

A security clampdown on duty free after the August 11 terror scare for airline passengers has been partially relaxed.

Auckland Airport said yesterday that passengers flying from New Zealand to the United States as their final destination would now be allowed to take duty-free items bought at the airport.

The new rules do not apply to passengers travelling via Auckland from Sydney and on to the US.

Also relaxed is the screening of passenger footwear.

Auckland Airport chief executive Don Huse, who thanked passengers for their "co-operation and understanding", said remaining restrictions included a ban on passengers carrying gels on to aircraft that were not bought at duty-free shops at the airport, with exceptions for baby food and vital medicines.