Passengers are being let back into Perth Airport after an emergency prompted the evacuation of the busy complex Thursday afternoon.
Passengers were forced from international terminal, T1, about 3.55pm when smoke was detected.
A spokesperson for the airport said the source of the issue was a refrigeration unit at a retail outlet.
Watch the latest news and stream for free on 7plus >>
“Perth Airport’s priority is the safety and security of all passengers and staff at the airport,” they told 7NEWS.com.au.
“Emergency services attended and the cause was determined as an electrical issue with a refrigerator unit within a retail outlet.”
Smoke from a refrigeration unit sparked an evacuation at Perth Airport on Thursday. Credit: 7NEWS
Witnesses said there was “smoke everywhere” and it “smelt like burnt rubber”.
Passengers were directed through the lobby and outside to an assembly point.
7NEWS cameras captured hundreds of travellers waiting for the issue to be resolved.
The incident delayed four outbound flights, with evacuated passengers needing to be re-screened before boarding.
Frustrated passengers were let back into the airport just before 6pm after a wait of close to two hours.
Hundreds of travellers have been impacted by Thursday’s emergency. Credit: 7NEWS
DFES sent one crew to assist airport firefighters.
It comes on a day when the mercury soared to 29.4C in Perth.
It was 29.1C when passengers were forced outside.
