Auckland Airport’s domestic terminal saw major disruption this morning after a passenger “refused to fully comply” with security screening and entered a restricted area.
The incident began at about 6.40am this morning, an Aviation Security Service spokesperson said.
“A security breach occurred at Auckland Airport domestic screening point,” they said in a statement.
“A passenger undergoing security screening refused to fully comply with the process and left the screening point into a restricted area prior to the process being complete.
“The person was located by Aviation security officers and removed from the restricted area. As a result, the terminal was emptied and rescreened.”
Screening has since recommenced. Photos and videos from the terminal showed huge queues as people waited to be screened or rescreened.
“There is no safety or security risk,” the spokesperson said. “Further investigation into this incident will occur.”
An Auckland Airport spokesperson confirmed there was a “security breach” which “has now been resolved” at domestic departures.
“Aviation Security Services is requiring all passengers to be rescreened and that process is underway now.
“We thank travellers for their patience and they should please check with their airline about any impact to their flight.”
An Air New Zealand spokesperson said at about 10.30am: “Due to the security breach, we’ve had four flight cancellations and several delays this morning. The team are working to reaccommodate any impacted customers, and we thank them for their patience while we work to get them to their destination as quickly as possible.”
