Auckland Airport’s domestic terminal has been evacuated, with passengers sent outside and planes left stuck on the tarmac after a fire alarm went off.

The evacuation started just before 8am and passengers had since returned to the terminal, an Auckland Airport spokeswoman told the Herald in an emailed statement at 8.47am.

“The domestic terminal was evacuated for a short time just before 8am after a fire alarm was activated.

“Auckland Airport emergency services responded and the terminal was cleared for re-entry shortly afterwards. We thank passengers for their patience.”

She didn’t say what caused the alarm.

Nelson MP Rachel Boyack pictured waiting outside Auckland Airport's domestic terminal, which was evacuated this morning after a fire alarm went off. Photo / X

Nelson MP Rachel Boyack was among those affected, posting a video to X of people outside the terminal as alarms blared in the background.

“Fire Drill over - hopefully was just a drill! Now Airport chaos begins!”, she wrote in a subsequent update.

A fellow air passenger told Stuff they understood a sprinkler had gone off in a cafe.

The evacuation was now causing delays, the passenger said.

“My plane half boarded and now we can’t leave because 25 passengers haven’t boarded. It’s gonna be chaos today.”