Video shows man being arrested after five shots fired in check-in area at Canberra Airport

A man has been charged after at least five shots were fired at Canberra Airport, forcing the evacuation of all travellers and staff.

The 63-year-old man appeared via video link in ACT Magistrates Court on Monday and did not apply for bail.

He will remain in custody until the case returns to court on September 5.

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Emergency services were called to the airport on Sunday afternoon following reports of gunshots in the main terminal building.

Dozens of people took to social media on Sunday to report that the Australian capital’s airport had been evacuated.

Some travellers reported hearing gunfire in the check-in area.

“Shortly after, one person was taken into custody and a firearm was recovered,” ACT Police said in a statement.

“CCTV has been reviewed and at this time the person in custody is believed to be the only person responsible for this incident.

Police allege the man walked into the terminal just before 1.30pm on Sunday, where he sat down for a number of minutes before standing up and opening fire at the terminal windows.

A video from taken at the airport appears to show police officers arresting a person, while shots taken by 7NEWS crews show images of at least three bullet holes in the airport’s window panels.

“The Canberra Airport terminal was evacuated as a precaution and the situation at the Airport is contained,” ACT Police added.

In the meantime, people have been urged not to attend the airport.

No injuries were reported.

Detective Superintendent Dave Craft of ACT Police said in a later press conference that the alleged gunman had been sitting in the departures area in a space adjacent to the terminal’s windows about 1.30pm.

“After approximately five minutes this male has removed a firearm from his possession and let off approximately five rounds,” he said.

Craft said ACT Police had responded to the situation and the alleged shooter.

“He was taken into custody and is currently at City police station,” Craft said.

“Police have processed the crime scene and are looking to secure the area so passengers that are on arriving flights can exit the airport.

“The airport is safe ... and there is no ongoing threat to the community or to passengers arriving and departing.”

One person whose son worked at the airport said he had heard shots.

“(He) turned to see a man waving a gun and shooting at the glass,” they wrote on Facebook.

Reporter Chris Garry said scenes at the airport were “insane”.

“Shots reportedly fired in check in area,” he said on Twitter.

“Everyone ran out screaming. Security screaming to run.”

One traveller said they had just boarded a plane when they were informed shots had been fired.

“The pilot gets on and goes there’s (going to) be a delay because there’s been ‘shots fired’ in our terminal and the airport is being evacuated,” the passenger wrote on Facebook.

“Fortunately we just boarded and our doors are secured.”

Canberra Airport confirmed it was working with the AFP and its airline partners on recommencing flights.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he had been briefed on the issue by the AFP.

“I am advised a man has been detained and there is no ongoing threat present,” he tweeted.

- With AAP