A potential bomb threat has forced the evacuation of an airport in one of New Zealand’s most popular tourist towns and impacted several flights departing from Australia.
Everyone inside Queenstown Airport was evacuated when its emergency security protocols were activated at 8.40am local time on Friday (6.40am AEST) in response to the threat.
Passengers due to leave on a flight have been told not to go to the airport until the all-clear is given, while people meeting flights are also being warned to stay away.
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All inbound flights have been diverted.
Several flights departing Australia have been diverted to other airports or delayed.
Qantas airlines has two flights scheduled into Queenstown.
Flight QF123 from Sydney has been diverted to Christchurch, while flight QF121 also from Sydney has been delayed for several hours.
Two Qantas flights operated by Jetstar have also been impacted – flight QF5519 from Sydney has been delayed and flight QF5529 has been diverted to Christchurch.
Seven Jetstar flights have been impacted in total.
“We are awaiting further updates from Queenstown Airport and NZ authorities to make alternative plans for customers travelling today,” the airline said.
Airport authorities are currently undertaking a risk assessment, which is expected to take several hours.
Food and shelter is being arranged for passengers who need it.
“This will disrupt travel plans, so if you had flights booked today, please contact your airline for further information and to rebook,” Queenstown Airport said.
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