Avsec investigating how smoker bypassed airport security

A woman who ducked out for a smoke and bypassed security on her return caused a lengthy delay at Auckland Domestic Airport today. Photo / File

An investigation is under way to find out how a woman managed to bypass airport security this morning after popping out for a last-minute cigarette.

The woman had been at the boarding gate when she decided to leave the airport's domestic terminal for one last cigarette, according to Fairfax.

On her return, she did not think she needed to be rescreened a second time.

But the mistake cost other passengers waiting to board a lengthy two-hour wait as they all had to be rescreened.

An Aviation Security (Avsec) spokesman told Fairfax it took about two hours to get back to normal and that all passengers needed to be rescreened to ensure the terminal was secure.

"The breach was quickly alerted to Avsec and all airport agencies worked seamlessly to identify and locate the passenger," the spokesman told Fairfax.

Avsec is now investigating how the woman managed to bypass security.

The security breach only added to the delays passengers were already facing due to fog around the airport.