Perth Airport terminal locked down over unattended item, reopens leaving travel chaos for passengers

A terminal at a major Australian airport is back up and running after it was shut down for more than two hours while police investigated an unattended bag.

Plans were thrown into chaos about 4pm on Wednesday, when an exclusion zone was set up at Perth Airport’s terminal one, which handles international travel.

But passengers have now been allowed back into the building.

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7NEWS earlier reported that thousands of travellers were affected, either stuck outside or being escorted through alternative exits.

“They’ve said the planes will not be taking off — they’re all grounded, so we should get our flight,” one traveller said.

“It might stuff up our connection flight in New Zealand.”

Another said traffic is “just ridiculous”.

“We don’t know what’s happening,” they said.

A third said she had heard “nothing” about what had happened.

“Bit annoyed because I’m meant to be on the plane right now,” she said.

An unattended item has caused chaos for travellers at Perth Airport. Credit: 7NEWS

Check-in desks were closed, and all staff were removed from the terminal.

Arriving passengers were also being held.

Travellers have been warned to allow extra time for check-in when they arrive at Perth Airport on Wednesday evening.