A laser hair removal device found during a security screening at an airport's domestic terminal has been identified as the suspicious item that triggered a large-scale emergency evacuation.

Bomb squad checks have since concluded after the device was found at Avalon Airport, southwest of Melbourne, just after 6am on Thursday.

Police confirmed the item was a laser hair removal device.

The airport was partially evacuated shortly after the device was found, with a large area cordoned off as a precaution as the bomb unit moved in.

An Avalon Airport spokesperson told AAP a suspicious item was found during the screening process prompting a police response and a person had been detained.

It is not clear if the person has since been released.

"Victoria Police attended and an individual has been detained. The matter is now being managed by police," a spokesperson said.

A flight to Brisbane has since been delayed, according to Lisa, who was due to fly out of the airport just before 9am.

She described the situation as "a bit of mayhem", telling ABC Melbourne that "no one knew what was going on".

"We knew something was fairly significant, lots of police cars going into the airport," Lisa added.

The airport has since reopened and operations have resumed, with police no longer deeming the situation as a risk.

"Today's response demonstrates the vigilance of the screening and security processes, with precautionary measures taken immediately to ensure the safety of passengers, staff and the broader community, which will always remain our highest priority," an airport spokesperson added.