Auckland Airport has been declared safe for re-entry after chemical fumes forced the closure of the international terminal this morning.

Two airport staff were taken to hospital with nausea and teary eyes, caused by carpet cleaning chemical fumes. A third staff member was sent home after having an asthma attack.

Paramedics treated 15 people, mainly staff, for “minor” symptoms of nausea and dizziness.

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A member of the public told 3 News the smell of the fumes was so pungent even outside the airport terminal it was making him feel sick.

It is unclear at this stage which cleaning chemical caused the dilemma, but an investigation is underway.

OCS, the airport’s cleaning contractors, won’t comment on the incident.

New Zealand Customs tweeted earlier that travellers should expect delays, as they were forced to operate in an alternative area in a limited capacity.

3 News