Christchurch Airport denies throwing out unclaimed baggage

A YouTube clip showing a handler throwing cases into a rubbish truck from a Air New Zealand trolley was just part of a trial of its new baggage handling system, according to Christchurch Airport. File photo / NZ Herald

Christchurch Airport is working overtime to dispel the myth its baggage handlers have been throwing away unclaimed baggage.

In a clip which has made its way to YouTube, a handler was filmed throwing cases into a rubbish truck from a clearly visible Air New Zealand trolley.

But airport boss Jim Boult says it was all part of a trial of its new baggage handling system.

He says his staff had spent months calling for old unwanted bags from the public for the trial and he says people were made aware the bags wouldn't be returned.

An airport spokeswoman says the baggage handlers are unhappy at the negative comments they've received.

An Air New Zealand spokeswoman says the airport obviously borrowed one of their trolleys, but it has nothing to do with them.