Air NZ plane lands at Sydney Airport due to ‘security incident’

Emergency services swarmed at Sydney Airport following a “security incident” on an Air New Zealand flight on Saturday.

Flight NZ247 landed in Sydney from Wellington with 154 passengers and crew on board around 5:40 pm (7:40 pm NZ time).

The plane landed on the runway while emergency services assessed the situation.

Air New Zealand’s chief operational integrity and safety officer Captain David Morgan told 1News there was a “security incident” on flight NZ247 from Wellington to Sydney.

“Standard safety protocols were followed. Emergency services assessed the plane after it landed and passengers were able to disembark.

“As a result of this incident, return flight NZ248 to Wellington has been cancelled. Air New Zealand apologizes for any inconvenience caused to customers on both services. The safety of all passengers and our crew is our top priority.”

Emergency services were cut off after an hour.

An Australian Federal Police spokesman said its officers at Sydney Airport responded to “an incident on board an aircraft en route to the airport”.

“The investigation is ongoing. There is no threat to the population.”

1News has contacted Sydney Airport for comment.