Security concerns at Auckland Airport forced the cancellation of an Air New Zealand flight late on Friday evening, leaving a number of Dunedin-bound passengers stranded.
Flight NZ677 was due to depart from Auckland before the aircraft returned to the gate due to security reasons.
Passengers remained onboard for a period before they were disembarked safely, Air New Zealand’s chief operational integrity and safety officer David Morgan said.
The airline was working with passengers to reaccommodate them, he said.
Police said it was in response to a report of a phone threat in relation to the flight yesterday.
“The plane was held at Auckland Airport and all those on board were removed from the plane and taken to a secure location within the airport, as a precautionary measure,” a spokesperson said.
“The plane and all luggage on board was checked by Police’s Specialist Search Group, and nothing of concern was located.”
Enquiries to identify the persons who were responsible for the threat are ongoing.
Additional reporting by 1News
rnz.co.nz
