Federal police probing bomb threat at Sydney Airport after major safety issue reported on Air New Zealand plane

Federal police have issued a major update in their investigation into a bomb threat scare at Sydney Airport, which resulted in emergency services swarming the tarmac.

Federal police have issued a major update following a bomb threat scare on board a plane at Sydney Airport, which resulted in emergency services swarming the tarmac.

An Air New Zealand flight carrying 140 passengers from Wellington landed in Sydney around 5.40pm but remained parked on the tarmac after a safety issue was reported on board.

A member of staff raised the alarm after an alleged bomb scare on the flight.

An Australian Federal Police (AFP) spokesman confirmed officers at the airport responded to the incident about 4.50pm in the afternoon.

Air New Zealand flight NZ 247 has landed safely to a huge response from emergency services at Sydney Airport. Picture: 7News

Authorities are investigating reports of a security issue on board. Picture: 7News

The spokesman confirmed nothing suspicious was located following a search of the plane.

“Upon landing, the aircraft was isolated at the end of a runway away from the airport’s terminals,” the AFP said.

“A thorough search of the aircraft, as well as the luggage and all passengers on board, was undertaken and nothing suspicious was found.”

The AFP said investigations were continuing and further updates would be provided at the appropriate time.

There was, and remains, no threat to the community.

Up to 40 emergency crews, including heavily armed officers, swarmed the airport tarmac to respond to the scare.

Aerial photos of the airport show NSW Fire and Rescue crews at the airport alongside officers from the Australian Federal Police.

The aircraft was isolated on the tarmac for an hour before it was ferried to a terminal, where passengers were allowed to disembark.

Air New Zealand Chief Operational Integrity and Safety Officer, David Morgan, said standard security protocols had been followed in response to the “security incident”.

“Emergency services assessed the aircraft after it landed and passengers were able to disembark,” he said.

Heavily armed officers were seen responding to the security issue. Picture: 7News

Emergency services swarmed the airport. Picture: 7News

Mr Morgan revealed the airline’s scheduled return flight to Wellington had been cancelled due to the incident.

“Air New Zealand apologises for the inconvenience caused to customers on both services,” he said.

“The safety and security of all passengers and our crew is our utmost priority.”

An aviation expert told Sky News it’s been an “extraordinary week” for bomb threats after 35 bomb threats were made in India this week.

The incident comes less than 24 hours after King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived at Sydney Airport on Friday night.