Cairns Airport: Security breach sparks chaos as passengers are removed from planes

Chaos has broken out at Cairns Airport following a security breach.

Passengers at Cairns Airport were re-screened and reportedly removed from planes.

“They forced my buddy off the plane and now everyone is standing outside, what the hell,” one person wrote in a Facebook post.

“It just came over the loudspeaker that for security reasons, every passenger in the airport needs to be re-screened… it’s LITERALLY THOUSANDS of people,” the person added.

A Cairns Airport spokesperson confirmed that one passenger did not complete the required screening, which is why everyone at the airport had to be re-screened.

“Shortly after midday on Monday, a passenger entered the departure lounge at Cairns Airport without undergoing the required screening. This did not pose any immediate danger,” the spokesman said.

“It is standard procedure and in line with Cairns Airport’s legal security requirements to re-screen all persons in the departure lounge following such an incident.”

“This process was completed as quickly as possible and we appreciate the patience and understanding of our customers.”

Passengers reportedly have to be re-screened at security checkpoints at Cairns Airport. Image: Facebook.

A video posted on X around 1 p.m. shows a line outside the airport door with a traveler demanding answers.

“What is going on with security? This is ridiculous,” the person wrote.

“The queues aren’t moving at all. No direction or announcements.”