Mass re-screening of passengers after security breach at Queenstown Airport

Plane loads of passengers had to go through security screening at Queenstown Airport twice this morning after a traveler was caught not following safety procedures.

In a statement early this afternoon, the airport says the person "inadvertently entered the domestic departures lounge without passing through security screening".

Although the breach was "picked up within a minute", all domestic passengers then had to be screened again in accordance with security protocols, the statement says.

The screening of some international passengers needed to be deferred, and all four screening lanes at the airport were opened to facilitate the mass re-screening.

"Unfortunately, this occurred late morning, which is our busiest time of the day. Queenstown Airport staff worked with airlines and Aviation Security to get flights under way as quickly as possible. We are grateful for the cooperation of passengers and sorry for the inconvenience and stress this caused."

Five domestic flights, and one international flight to Sydney, scheduled to leave the airport between 10.30am and 12.30pm, were delayed.

Main image (Supplied): Security screening at Queenstown Airport.