They are banned on board commercial aircraft and police say they confiscated the device found at Wellington Airport. The NZDF spokeswoman said the practice bomb was filled with lead, “which matched the weight of a live bomb”. A photo supplied to the Herald appears to show the dummy training bomb detected in a passenger's bag during screening at Wellington Airport. “There was no risk to staff and passengers.”Wellington Airport said “it was determined there was not an immediate risk justifying a full evacuation”. In response to the worker’s allegations, Wellington Airport’s spokesman said “safety is the top priority for Wellington Airport and other agencies”.

Source: New Zealand Herald January 18, 2026 16:07 UTC