Transport Minister Daryl Vaz has revealed that this afternoon’s disruption to flights at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St. James was caused by a false alarm.

Initially it was thought that a firearm had passed through the pre-boarding passenger screening machine.

The item was reportedly spotted in a bag on screening images after the passenger had passed through and entered the departure lounge.

This triggered emergency protocols at the airport, which included the cessation of boarding and departure of flights until the passenger and the bag were identified.

It was subsequently discovered that the item in question was a lighter in the shape of a gun.

Minister Vaz noted that several flights were impacted due to the emergency protocols being activated.