Several flights were cancelled while others encountered take-off delays.
Brisbane Airport announced that everyone at the domestic terminal, including staff, was instructed to leave and re-enter through security following a “technical fault with a single metal detector”.
“The fault was quickly identified and there is no safety or security threat,” the airport said in a statement.
“However, it will take some time to rescreen all passengers and staff, delaying flights.
“We apologise for the inconvenience and thank passengers for their patience and understanding.”
Images showed long queues stretching outside the buildings as travellers reluctantly joined the wait to go through security again.
At least five Qantas and Jetstar flights were delayed and one Jetstar flight was cancelled.
Just before 8.30pm, Brisbane Airport said “screening points and operations” were returning to normal.
“We apologise for the inconvenience and thank passengers for your patience. Thank you to all the airport staff for your work and support.”
One passenger said the “entire place” had ground to a halt about 5.30pm.
“We had to disembark to exit and re-screen. The security screening device reportedly operated in a fault mode, missing some screenings. Consequently, the entire airport has come to a standstill,” they posted on X.
Another person claimed the queues to rescreening were “not moving”.
“So check in with your loved ones as their flight will be delayed,” they said.
There was no impact to the international terminal.
