Flights diverted during Christchurch bomb scare

Two international flights were diverted from Christchurch to Auckland this morning during a bomb scare at Christchurch Airport.

The international terminal at Christchurch was cordoned off after a suspicious package was found in one of the toilets.

Inspector Andy McGregor said police were alerted by airport staff about 6am today, after a routine inspection of the area where the package was found.

The bomb disposal unit was called but no explosive device was found.

The international terminal was closed until just before 9am and two flights from Japan were diverted to Auckland.

A spokeswoman for the airport said no other flights were affected and the domestic terminal continued to operate.

- NZPA