KEY POINTS:
7.20am: Scheduled departure of NZ2279 from Blenheim to Christchurch
7.40am: Mayday call from pilots received via the NZ Rescue Coordination Centre. A female passenger is reported to have attacked the pilots
8.06am: Plane lands safely at Christchurch
Passengers exit the plane and run for safety
Police Armed Offender Squad dog handlers enter the plane and seize the woman. She is handcuffed and forced to the ground on the runway
The plane is cordoned off
9am: Bomb squad arrives at the scene
Mid-morning: Police in Blenheim make background checks on the woman
Passengers are questioned by police
10.03am: police and Transport Minister Annette King calls for a report from NZ Police and the Aviation Security Service
10.30am: Police reveal details about the woman. She is 33 and from Blenheim
11.07am: Airport re-opens. International terminal used for domestic flights
- NZ HERALD STAFF
