UPDATE: Queenstown Airport has reopened

UPDATE: 3pm from Queenstown Airport

Queenstown Airport is now open. The security incident at Queenstown Airport has now been resolved. The New Zealand Defence Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Squadron attended and deemed the reported items posed no threat.

We would like to thank members of the public for their patience and understanding.

If you have a confirmed flight reservation, please come to the airport. If you have been impacted and do not have a confirmed booking, please contact your airline.

Now that the police cordon has been lifted, those passengers needing to collect baggage or vehicles can do so.

 

UPDATE: 2.45pm from Queenstown Airport

We are working to reopen the airport to the public after receiving advice from the NZDF Explosive Ordnance unit that it is safe to do so.

We will provide another update on our Facebook page soon.

In the meantime, we are asking the public to remain clear of the airport until we confirm the terminal is open and the Police cordon is removed.

 

UPDATE: 13:10pm from Queenstown Airport

Queenstown Airport remains closed while authorities continue to work through a security risk assessment.

Passengers and members of the public are asked to stay away from the airport until we have received clearance to reopen.

While some passengers affected have returned home or gone to their accommodation, about 250 people are currently being looked after at the Queenstown Events Centre. Food and drinks and activities have been provided to those waiting.

There is a Police cordon in place at Queenstown Airport and members of the public do not have access to Car Parks A and B or the terminal at this stage.

If you have been affected by flight disruptions, please contact your airline for further information and to rebook.

We will provide another update mid-afternoon.

Original story:

Queenstown Airport remains closed after being evacuated due to bomb scare.

Police have confirmed they received a report at 8.40am of what appears to be an explosive device. The NZDF Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit is responding.

In an 11.30am update, airport staff confirmed the airport remains closed while authorities work through a risk assessment process.

"This is likely to take several hours," the spokesperson says.

"Passengers and members of the public are asked to stay away from the airport until we have clearance to reopen.

"We are arranging food and shelter for passengers who require it."

All inbound flights have been diverted or cancelled and outbound are cancelled or on hold. That's around a dozen arrivals and a dozen departures either diverted or cancelled, so far.

"This will disrupt travel plans, so if you had flights booked today, please contact your airline for further information and to rebook."

All passengers due to depart Queenstown today, and those expecting to meet incoming flights, are asked not to come to the airport until advised otherwise.

A further update will be provided early afternoon.