Christchurch Airport was evacuated this morning causing delays for hundreds of passengers.

An Aviation Security spokesman earlier told Chris Lynch an “improvised explosive device was detected by officers at one of the screening lines.”

“Aviation Security switched straight into its incident protocols, closing down the area. “

“Police were advised they asked for level one to the evacuated immediately.”

The New Zealand Defence Force’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit was notified and attended as a precaution, police said.

Several flights were affected and several hundred passengers were impacted. The terminal re-opened just before 11AM

A police spokeswoman said police attended Christchurch Airport earlier today “after a report of an item of interest.”

”This has now been resolved and no issue was found.”

Police would like to thank the public for their co-operation while enquiries were being made.