Elaborate bomb hoax disrupts airport

Hundreds of passengers were stranded during a bomb scare at Dunedin International Airport. Photo / Otago Daily Times

Dunedin International Airport was yesterday evacuated after the discovery of what appeared to be an "improvised explosive device" in a rubbish bin in the men's toilets.

Army bomb experts were called in to dispose of the device, which shut the airport between about 9am and 2pm and stranded hundreds of passengers.

Sergeant Martin Hepburn, officer in charge of the airport, said the hoax bomb consisted of a 750ml bottle filled with liquid, with wires coming from it, attached to two batteries, a circuit board and a wad of plastic-type material, all inside a toilet bag.

"Someone's gone to a bit of trouble," he said.

Senior Sergeant Steve Aitken, of Dunedin, said police would review security camera images and look at forensic evidence to identify the offender.

Two bomb experts arrived about noon, neutralised the "bomb" and cleared the site.

Police then searched the car park and terminal building for any other suspicious items. Wires were found in a rubbish bin in the main terminal, but the significance of them was yet to be determined.

Air New Zealand Dunedin airport manager Alistair Bevin said four flights - to Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch - were cancelled because passengers could not be checked in.

The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra was also caught up in the alert. After performing in Dunedin on Wednesday night, the orchestra was to fly to Auckland to launch its 2011 European tour. However, the musicians relaxed and entertained the crowd with a spot of music.

Blues musician John Mayall, who also performed in Dunedin on Wednesday night, said his only concern was that he was dressed in a pair of shorts and sandals.

- OTAGO DAILY TIMES, NZPA