Aviation insiders have said airport security staff are on the verge of burnout and accidents are bound to happen, because of the growing number of passengers they're expected to process amid a dire staffing shortage.
Auckland Airport, in particular, has come under fire in recent weeks for long delays, with high-profile travellers, including former Prime Minister Helen Clark, who said the country's reputation is being damaged as a result.
Checkpoint can also reveal that for the past month, airline staff have had to wait in line with the rest of the passengers rather than being processed through a separate staff entrance.
Louise Ternouth reports.
