A rogue baggage trolley set off sprinklers and triggered fire alarms at Wellington Airport, causing the airport to be evacuated, an unnamed airport staff member has confirmed.
A witness said there was "chaos at the check in counters" as flights were delayed.
The airport was evacuated after alarms went off at 6.20pm.
An airport employee has confirmed the terminals have reopened and flights are boarding again.
Airport spokesman Greg Thomas said there was no fire, but a sprinkler had been knocked - triggering a full fire alarm.
Witness Sophie Price said she could not see an evidence of a fire or smell smoke.