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Diana Dobson / Stuff
Airline passengers wait for the cordon to be lifted after police closed Gisborne airport in response to a threat.
The delayed passengers remain calm and listen to reggae music while camping in the street after the Gisborne airport was evacuated following a bomb threat.
A police spokesman confirmed that the airport was evacuated around 11:30 a.m. Friday as a precaution.
Police were working to establish the circumstances of the threat and speak to those involved.
In a statement released Friday afternoon, the airport said police sniffer dogs would arrive shortly and that “flight disruptions are expected to last a few more hours.”
Traveler Zhane Skipper said the airport had been very busy with people heading home from the Rhythm and Vines festival, when the announcement came over the loudspeaker that there was a security threat and everyone had to evacuate.
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They all went out into the street when the police began to arrive, and since then they had all been leaving the street, listening to reggae music from the neighbors.
“It’s still a festival… it’s very Kiwian.
“Police and Air New Zealand are teaming up to supply snacks like ice blocks and potato chips. They have also ordered pizza. It’s like a spontaneous barbecue. “
Diana Dobson / Stuff
Passengers enjoyed reggae music, ice blocks, and pizza as they waited for the airport to reopen.
His flight was supposed to leave at 1 pm, but it had been delayed twice, and now it was due to depart at 3.30.
Passenger Rosemarie Boulton was due to fly to Christchurch today, via Wellington.
He said there were 70 to 80 people on the side of the road, but there was plenty of space, shade, and one of the houses had installed a speaker to play music.
The police also spoke with those who had been evacuated and offered to take people into the city to find food and water if they needed it.
He was still hoping to make his connecting flight into Wellington, which won’t leave until tonight.
Diana Dobson / Stuff
The airport was evacuated around 11.30, and travelers are now waiting to know when they could catch their flights.
Air New Zealand confirmed in a statement that all flights into and out of Gisborne Airport were being conducted at the request of the police, due to the security threat.
“Air New Zealand has 9 flights to and from Gisborne that have been delayed until further notice. NZ8488 from Wellington to Gisborne has been diverted back to Wellington, return flight NZ8493 has been canceled. “
Are you affected by the evacuation? Email [email protected]
A statement on the Gisborne airport Facebook page warned that there could be disruptions to flights in and out of the city for several hours.
“If you plan to fly or pick someone up at the airport today, please call Air New Zealand first.”
Sandeep Kaur, from the nearby Adi’s dairy, said there had been an influx of people coming through the doors buying drinks and blocks of ice.
