CHRISTCHURCH Airport was evacuated after a suspected explosive device was found inside a passenger’s bag.
The Aviation Security Service said an “improvised explosive device” was found by staff as they were screened baggage in New Zealand.
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Traffic control tower at Christchurch Airport Credit: Getty
The area was locked down at 8am after hundreds of holidaymakers were evacuated from the building.
The New Zealand bomb disposal unit soon arrived onto the scene and dozens of flights were cancelled.
Cops kept watch as security staff used sniffer dogs to comb the airport after the discovery of the “item of interest ”.
According to reports, police are speaking to two people in relation to the incident.
One traveller told The New Zealand Herald: “We were upstairs in the Koru Lounge and there was an announcement to say evacuate the building immediately. The sirens went off.
“We were waiting for a flight. It was meant to go at 9.10am but I doubt it. It could be a couple of hours.”
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A police spokesman said: "An item of interest has been located at Christchurch Airport.
"Police were made aware around 8am. The domestic terminal is in the process of being evacuated as a precaution."
A spokesman for Christchurch Airport wrote on Twitter: "Our terminal is currently evacuated while Aviation Security and Police deal with an incident.
"We will provide updated details when possible."
The terminal re-opened as cops continue their investigation.