Man arrested after airport evacuation

The man who set off an alarm at Christchurch Airport, forcing an evacuation, was arrested and taken for psychiatric assessment. File photo / Simon Baker

A 47-year-old Canterbury man is undergoing psychiatric assessment after an alarm sparked an evacuation of Christchurch airport early today.

Passengers who had just landed on a flight from Australia were held on the plane and members of the public there to greet them had to evacuate outside the main entrance after the alarm was activated about 12.40am.

Acting airport spokeswoman Chelsea Halliwell said some staff members went to a safe evacuation point but no passengers were stuck in customs at the time of the alert.

She confirmed the person who set the alarm off was arrested and was under a psychiatric assessment.

Neither Ms Halliwell nor airport police could confirm reports that the arrested man was under the influence of alcohol, without shoes and seeking a shower.

The airport is often busy between 11am and 1pm with five flights arriving from Australia during those hours.

- NZPA