Investigations have been launched at Brisbane Airport after six passengers made it through security unchecked, causing hours of chaos.
The six passengers, who were travelling as a group, proceeded to the next security check point where passengers get scanned with wands. The six refused and walked into the terminal, causing an evacuation of the Virgin Australia terminal, and flight delays for other passengers.
All evacuated passengers had to be rescreened, causing flights delays and disruptions.
Interesting times at #brisbaneairport #bneairport – a security breach has led to *everyone* (shop owners, people on planes, all staff) to evacuate and re screen through security. Meanwhile security lines are halted until … it’s deemed ok to open again. pic.twitter.com/Kvr7hjyh6v
— Nicholas Tierney (@nj_tierney) November 27, 2022
In a statement put out to the press, Brisbane Airport said there was no threat to travellers and that 33 flights were delayed, but none were cancelled.
“Thanks to a swift response by Airport Security, these impacts have been contained to the southern end of the terminal (Virgin Australia end),” the statement read.
Steven Beckett from Brisbane Airport Corporation apologised for the inconvenience caused.
“Yesterday’s priority was making sure there was no risk to passengers and staff and getting everyone back on their flights and restoring travel arrangements as soon as possible,” Beckett said.
This morning’s passengers at the airport were warned that they would wait “longer than usual” and domestic arrivals were told to arrive more than 90 minutes before their flight.
⚠️ TRAVEL UPDATE ⚠️ Departing domestic terminal passengers can expect longer-than-usual wait times for check in & screening this morning (28/11/2022). We recommend arriving 90+ minutes before a domestic flight. Thank you for your patience. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/dYJaSgPAAJ
— Brisbane Airport ✈️ (@BrisbaneAirport) November 27, 2022
A spokesperson told news.com.au that the longest flight delay was an hour and ten minutes.
One disgruntled traveller took to Twitter to explain how her plane had to disembark.
“Just boarded a plane at @BrisbaneAirport to now be told everyone in the terminal and every plane will now be disembarking to go through security again … pretty sure if someone had something dangerous it would be safer to have them on a plane than a rammed airport with everyone.”
https://twitter.com/ahunt60/status/1596762523734188032
Another added: “Interesting times at #brisbaneairport #bneairport – a security breach has led to *everyone* (shop owners, people on planes, all staff) to evacuate and re-screen through security. Meanwhile security lines are halted until … it’s deemed OK to open again.”
Brisbane Airport Corporation’s internal review of the situation is ongoing.
