Lithium batteries cause chaos on one of Auckland Airport’s busiest travel days

“For safety reasons, these bags require additional back-of-house screening by Aviation Security so prohibited items can be identified and removed.

“This is a manual process and can slow baggage processing during very busy periods.”

An excess of lithium batteries in suitcases caused international travel delays at Auckland Airport.

One passenger described the scene earlier as “complete pandemonium”.

“No one seems to know what’s going on,” they said.

“The airport announcer… is telling people to allow more time for check in. Words of misery for those who have already been queueing for ages.

“Truly expected better from a country that prides itself on punching above its weight on the world stage. But this is a third-world airport experience.”

An Auckland Airport spokesperson said officials understood queues could be frustrating, and airport and airline teams are working hard to get travellers where they need to be.

“We thank travellers for their patience during what is one of the peak travel days of the year.

“We’re reminding all travellers to pack smart and ensure lithium batteries are carried in hand luggage, not checked bags, before arriving at the airport.”

The airport issued advice for passengers, saying they could play their part to help keep things moving at the international terminal:

Booking a car park online, well ahead of their day of travel to maximise their choice of location and to secure a better deal;Allowing 30 minutes extra for their journeys through the international terminal building;Ensuring their hand luggage meets airline requirements;Completing their international departure card before reaching Customs;Ensuring any liquid, aerosol and gel containers in their hand luggage are not larger than 100ml, and are all placed in one resealable, transparent plastic bag (20cm x 20cm or smaller) and put in an easily accessible location;Following airline advice for recommended check-in times for passengers travelling to North America, due to additional security requirements for these flights;Asking the person who is picking them up to park in The Wait Zone, until they receive a text or phone call saying they are ready for collection.

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