Smoke flare sparks Auckland Airport evacuation

File photo / Kenny Rodgers

Auckland Airport has been evacuated after a smoke flare was set off.

Emergency services were called to the airport shortly before 6pm after reports of smoke at the international terminal, Fire Service northern communications shift manager Jaron Phillips said.

"The cause of it is that someone has let off a smoke flare. I don't know why or exactly where, but that's the cause of it,'' he said.

"It was initially thought that there was a fire but it's turned out that it was a smoke flare.''

Seven fire crews were called to the airport and three remain at the terminal.

Ambulance crews also attended but Mr Phillips said he was not aware of any injuries.

Police have been advised of the incident.

Auckland Airport was not immediately available for comment.