A 41 year old woman from Knoxfield in Victoria is in Tasmania Police custody after making false remarks about carrying an explosive device in her luggage at Hobart Airport this afternoon.

The woman made the remarks while at the check-in counter, where she was spoken to by airline staff, and again on the tarmac. The woman was then removed from the flight by airport security and police were notified.

Tasmania Police attended the Airport at 2:14pm where appropriate measures were taken to rule out a threat and ensure the safety of the airplane and passengers. The flight was delayed for an hour before it was cleared for flight.

The woman stated to police that she made the remarks as a joke. Making statements in relation to explosive devices at airports is an offence and will be taken seriously.

Police are seeking information from anyone who may have further information in relation to the incident at the Hobart Airport to contact Sergeant Robert Bessell at Bellerive Police Station on 6230 2111 or information can be provided anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au