Up to 1000 passengers evacuated and flights delayed after smoke at Brisbane Airport

Up to 1000 passengers were forced to evacuate Brisbane Airport and flights were delayed due to a fire alarm this morning.

Testing of an air conditioning unit's heating element caused smoke, which triggered the fire alarm about 8am today.

All passengers on level four of the international terminal were evacuated as a precaution, which caused delays to departing flights and traffic congestion.

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A Queensland Fire Department spokeswoman said five crews responded to the incident and assessed smoke in a "steeling space".

They cleared the scene about 8.35am, and passengers were allowed back inside the terminal.

Airport staff are processing the affected passengers in order of their flight schedules.

"Brisbane Airport apologises for delays as a result of this morning's evacuation," a spokesperson said.

There was no impact on the domestic terminal.

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