AUCKLAND- The Auckland Airport (AKL) was the center of a major security threat (possibly due to a Bomb) involving an Air New Zealand (NZ) flight to Dunedin (DUD).
Passengers were evacuated, luggage was searched, and operations were disrupted following a phone-in threat specific to the flight. While no danger was ultimately found, the event highlighted the importance of safety protocols in aviation.
Photo: Umedha Hettigoda | FlickrAir New Zealand Security Threat
An Air New Zealand (NZ) Airbus A320 scheduled as flight NZ677 from Auckland to Dunedin was delayed after a security threat was received by phone.
The incident unfolded just before the flight’s scheduled departure at 5:40 PM. Upon receiving the threat, the aircraft returned to the gate, and passengers were directed to a secure location while police conducted a thorough search of the plane and luggage.
Specialist teams found no evidence of a bomb or other threats onboard. Passengers initially remained on the plane before being escorted off row by row to ensure a systematic and safe evacuation.
The airline’s operational integrity and safety officer, David Morgan, emphasized that passenger safety remains the top priority, even in situations of inconvenience.
While Air New Zealand staff worked diligently to mitigate discomfort, some passengers expressed dissatisfaction.
A Dunedin man described the atmosphere as “distressing,” with some passengers fearing the worst, such as a bomb threat. Passengers were gathered in a terminal room for hours without sufficient updates, Otago Daily Times reported.
Although food was eventually provided, including snacks and sandwiches, some passengers reported long waits without adequate sustenance. Others, including families with young children, found the situation challenging but praised the airline staff’s efforts to manage the unexpected ordeal.
Passenger Helen Cannan noted that the overall experience was “largely positive,” commending Air New Zealand’s team for their hard work.
She highlighted the provisions of food and water and acknowledged that some parents ventured out to nearby establishments to get additional supplies for their children.
Photo: avgeekwithlens/ Harsh TekriwalAirline Response to the Situation
Air New Zealand supported passengers by offering hotel accommodations and rebooking flights where necessary. The airline also followed up with passengers after the incident to ensure their well-being.
Police confirmed their investigation into the threat is ongoing but reiterated that all standard security protocols were followed to ensure passenger safety.
Despite the challenging circumstances, the collaboration between Air New Zealand and law enforcement demonstrated a commitment to safety and efficient threat management.
Photo: By Biponacci – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=81669481Similar Incident
Previously, a bomb threat was reported on Air New Zealand Flight NZ247 from Wellington (WLG) to Sydney (SYD) on 19 October 2024. The aircraft, carrying 154 passengers and crew, landed safely at 5:40 PM local time and was directed to a utility taxiway, away from the terminals.
Emergency services, including bomb squads, paramedics, and armed police, responded promptly, with around 40 vehicles on the scene. The aircraft remained isolated for over an hour before proceeding to the international terminal under Federal Police supervision.
Air New Zealand confirmed its collaboration with local authorities, following standard security protocols. The incident highlighted the importance of robust aviation safety measures.
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