Passenger forgets phone on plane, Auckland Airport security grinds to halt

The incident took place around 3pm at the domestic terminal. Photo / File

Aviation Security says the reason behind a 40-minute delay at Auckland Airport's domestic airport was due to a passenger forgetting their phone.

A spokesman told the Herald it was not a security breach despite reports, instead, a passenger forgot their mobile on a flight.

"It was not a security lapse or a security breach, it was an issue with a passenger who left a cellphone on an aircraft and they went back to get it," he said.

"It's actually an airport, company and airline matter, not a security breach."

An Auckland Airport spokeswoman said security screening was halted for around 40-minutes after the incident took place.

Due to concerns with a passenger around 3pm, screening was stopped temporarily until it was reopened by staff around 3.40pm.

Hi Tane, passenger processing at the domestic terminal has been temporarily halted while we address a security concern. Aviation Security is currently dealing with this matter. Thank you for your patience.

— Auckland Airport (@AKL_Airport) February 12, 2019