Dunedin-bound flight returns to Auckland after ‘security threat’

An Air New Zealand flight bound for Dunedin was turned back to Auckland shortly after departure due to a phone threat specific to the aircraft.

Flight NZ677 departed Auckland before 6pm last night.

Passengers endured nearly four hours on the tarmac before being escorted off the plane without their belongings as an explosive detector dog unit swept the aircraft and luggage.

Police confirmed no threats were found, and investigations to identify the caller are ongoing.

Image credit: James Coleman