Air New Zealand flight NZ247 held at Sydney Airport over 'safety threat'

An Air New Zealand flight was held at the end of Sydney's domestic airport runway following a safety threat. 

An Australian Federal Police spokesperson said the AFP responded to an incident on board an aircraft that was en route to the airport.

According to the airport's website the flight, NZ247, landed from Wellington at 5:25pm AEDT. 

The Air New Zealand flight was then moved towards the terminal with 154 passengers and crew understood to be on board.

About 154 passengers and crew are understood to be on the flight.  (ABC News)

Dozens of ambulance and fire and rescue crews responded to the incident. 

Flights were still arriving into Sydney's international airport runway while the plane was being held. 

Air New Zealand's chief operational integrity and safety officer said there was a "security incident" on the flight.

"Standard security protocols were followed," they said. 

"Emergency services assessed the aircraft after it landed and passengers were able to disembark." 

The safety officer said due to the incident the return flight to Wellington, NZ248, was cancelled. 

"Air New Zealand apologises for the inconvenience caused to customers on both services," they said. 

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

The AFP said investigations were continuing, but there was no threat to the community. 

The security threat comes less than 24 hours after King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived in Sydney.