Hundreds of passengers have been stranded outside Queenstown Airport after an emergency security protocol was activated this morning at approximately 08.40am in response to a potential bomb alert. Video / James Allan
Queenstown Airport has reopened and the Defence Force has advised the items initially reported as a possible bomb did not pose a threat.
The airport said anyone needing to catch a flight could come to the airport and anyone whose flights were impacted should contact their airline.
Police have lifted the cordon around the airport, so any passengers who couldn’t collect their bags or vehicles earlier could now do so, the airport said.
“If you have a private vehicle in either of the terminal carparks, you will be able to collect this free of charge until 7pm today,” the airport said.
“We would like to thank members of the public for their patience and understanding.
The Defence Force’s bomb disposal arrived at Queenstown Airport after a threat was made earlier and stranded passengers were evacuated.
“The New Zealand Defence Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Squadron attended and deemed the reported items posed no threat,” the airport said.
Passengers were taken to the Queenstown Events Centre to wait out the disruption. Food, water and activities were being provided, an airport spokesman said.
At least 15 Air New Zealand flights were cancelled and one turned around mid-flight.
“If you have a confirmed flight reservation, please come to the airport. If you have been impacted and do not have a confirmed booking, please contact your airline,” the airport said.
A helicopter delivered the Defence Force’s bomb disposal robot at the airport, and an operator could be seen guiding it along the tarmac. The Herald has approached the Defence Force for comment.
A bomb disposal robot arrives at Queenstown Airport via helicopter. Photo / James Allan
A helicopter carrying a bomb disposal robot arrives at Queenstown Airport. Photo / James Allan
Police were at the airport and said they received a report of what appeared to be an explosive device at 8.40am.
Passengers are escorted off a plane in response to a potential bomb threat at Queenstown Airport this morning. Photo / James Allan
“The airport terminal has been evacuated as a safety precaution,” a police spokesperson confirmed.
“NZDF Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit have been notified and will respond.”
Members of the public were asked to stay clear of the airport.
The airport has been evacuated and passengers taken by bus to Queenstown Events Centre. Photo / James Allan
The airport spokesman said the closure would disrupt travel plans and anyone flying to or from Queenston today should contact their airline for further information.
Food and shelter would be arranged for any passengers who needed it.
Passengers were ushered off a grounded plane after the threat was reported.
Airport staff are working with airlines to ensure the safety of all passengers. Photo / James Allan
The passengers walked across the tarmac to the far carpark.
“We apologise to our passengers for the disruption,” Air New Zealand’s chief operational integrity and safety officer David Morgan said.
“Especially as this has happened at the end of the busy school holidays period. Safety is our number one priority and we are working with relevant authorities.”
Hundreds of passengers have been stranded after Queenstown Airport was evacuated in response to a possible bomb threat. Photo / James Allan
Queenstown Airport activated its emergency security protocols about 8.40am in response to the potential bomb alert.
“Emergency services were called and the airport terminal has been evacuated as a precaution while the situation is being investigated by NZ Police and Aviation Security,” the spokesman said.
“Airport staff are working with airlines to ensure the safety of all passengers.
“All inbound aircraft have been diverted. All passengers due to depart Queenstown today, and those expecting to meet incoming flights, are asked not to come to the airport until advised otherwise.
“We will provide updates on Queenstown Airport’s Facebook page.”
Passengers were all marshalled into the far carpark at Queenstown Airport. Photo / James Allan
One passenger told NZME: “We arrived to catch our flight and, as we got here, we were told that the whole of the airport was being evacuated.
“So we sort of started standing on the nearest carpark to the terminal building and there were more and more people pouring out of the building, including all the employees.
“At this stage we have no idea what it’s all about,” one passenger said. Photo / James Allan
“A couple of incoming flights had also been pushed straight through, but they weren’t allowed to collect luggage or anything.
“So we’ve now got a situation where there must be several hundred people all marshalled in the furthest carpark away from the terminal building.”
The passenger said no one had told him anything about the evacuation.
Passengers wait outside Queenstown Airport on Friday morning. Photo / James Allan
There were no fire crews at the site but police and ambulance were attending.
“At this stage, we have no idea what it’s all about,” the passenger said. “It’s really weird.
“Nobody really knows what’s going on apart from the fact we’re just being pushed further and further away from the terminal ... there’s still people in the control tower but no planes are landing.
“Everybody is completely at a loss.”
A flight from Christchurch that was due to land at Queenstown had been sent back.
