Photo: Screenshot/ Seven News
An Air New Zealand flight has landed safely at Sydney Airport following reports of a bomb threat on board.
Passengers were not permitted to disembark the plane for at least a hour and a half, but have now been released.
9 News said flight NZ247 arrived from Wellington about 5.40pm local time (7.40pm NZT), with a tactical operations unit, paramedics and firefighters all called to the scene.
The plane had 154 staff and passengers on board, the channel reported.
We have pictures from the 7NEWS helicopter of the aircraft at the centre of a bomb scare at Sydney Airport. Air New Zealand flight NZ 247 has landed safely to a huge response from emergency services. https://t.co/TWh1KQh9q4 #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/RTV4CdqpZN
— 7NEWS Sydney (@7NewsSydney) October 19, 2024
A passenger on board the plane told RNZ they were "stuck" on the tarmac for an hour and a half.
"[We] have been told there was a bomb scare. [They're] not letting us disembark just yet," she said about 9pm NZT.
"Lots of police and emergency vehicles on standby."
Journalist Brian Wilson said the plane stopped on a utility taxiway, away from the airport terminals, and remained there for more than an hour.
It then taxied to the international terminal, where it was met by Federal Police.
Breaking news now at Sydney Airport, where an Air New Zealand plane has been grounded. #9News pic.twitter.com/MuUxuglfXJ
— 9News Queensland (@9NewsQueensland) October 19, 2024
Passengers were allowed to disembark by 10pm and emergency services were being stood down.
Air New Zealand was aware of "a security incident" on board the flight, the airline's chief operational integrity and safety officer Captain David Morgan said in a statement.
"Standard security protocols were followed. Emergency services assessed the aircraft after it landed and passengers were able to disembark.
"Due to this incident NZ248, the return flight to Wellington was cancelled.
"Air New Zealand apologises for the inconvenience caused to customers on both services. The safety and security of all passengers and our crew is our utmost priority."
Up to 40 emergency services vehicles were at the scene when the plane landed, including bomb squad cars and armed police, 7News said.
It appeared planes at the airport briefly entered a holding pattern while the aircraft landed, the outlet said.
The incident comes just one day after King Charles III and Queen Camilla touched down at Sydney Airport for a tour of Australia.
An Australian Federal Police spokesperson said the force had "responded to an incident on board an aircraft that was en route to the airport".
Investigations were ongoing, they said.
"There is no threat to the community."
New South Wales Police said the federal police was the lead agency for the incident, but "considerable NSW Police resources" responded to the airport.
"Most have now been stood down," a spokesperson said about 10pm NZT.
Sydney Airport has been contacted for comment.
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