Travellers at Auckland’s International Airport are facing hour-long waits through Customs this afternoon, with some making desperate dashes to departure gates fearing they will miss their flights.

One passenger told the Herald water was being handed out to those experiencing the long delays and staff also using motorised trolleys to rush people waiting planes.

“No one is complaining much to be honest, I think we’re all just hoping our planes wait for us. People look really perplexed is how I would describe it,” they said.

Families with children were being fast tracked as the queues flowed past the entrance to Customs.

Passengers are facing long delays through Auckland International Airport Customs this afternoon, with fears they will miss their departing flights. Photo / Supplied

An employee told the passenger it was the worst queues they had seen.

“He said it was because if the rain, which had affected the arrivals.”

The passenger said their flight had been held for passengers who were late due to the long delays.

“My face is red and sweaty after a 23 minute dash from the customs hall to gate 18, the furthest gate, but I made it!

“Those little motorised trolleys were running hot, rushing people to the far away gates,” they said.

An Auckland International Airport spokeswoman confirmed the delays.

“During the afternoon travel peak, there was a short period of congestion within Auckland Airport’s international terminal departures area. As is normal when it is busy, airport staff were assisting passengers and liaising with other airport teams to keep passenger flows moving smoothly. Congestion has now cleared.”