The security threat that closed Queenstown Airport for most of the day today (Friday October 6) was due to an item detected by Aviation Security during a routine baggage screening check Queenstown Airport CEO Glen Sowry says.

The Aviation Security Service (AvSec) escalated the issue which led to the evacuation of the airport terminal and the airport was closed from 8.40am to 3pm.

The item was discovered to be an electric ski boot warmer RNZ has reported.

“New Zealand Police led the incident response and called in the New Zealand Defence Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Squadron who flew to Queenstown Airport by helicopter,” Glen said. 

“The Explosive Ordnance Disposal team had seen the AvSec X-ray security images and concurred that the response was appropriate.”

A controlled investigation of the baggage was conducted by the Explosive Ordnance Team who determined that the reported items posed no threat. 

Throughout the course of the day about 25 flights were disrupted or cancelled.

About 250 passengers were transported by bus to the Queenstown Events Centre, near the airport, and were provided with food, drinks and activities until the airport reopened.

Glen said the Queenstown Airport team responded professionally and thanked the many passengers, whose travel was disrupted, for their patience and cooperation.

PHOTO: QAC