A herd of seven deer caused significant flight delays at a major airport in Japan after they were found entering the runway area, a report said today.

A total of 31 arriving and departing flights were delayed by up to two hours and 40 minutes at New Chitose Airport on the island of Hokkaido after the two runways were closed following the intrusion at around 7.15pm local time yesterday, the Kyodo News agency reported, citing transport ministry officials.

Flights resumed after the Japanese air force base opened one of its runways for civilian use, Kyodo said. Some arriving flights rerouted to other airports, it said.

Nine vehicles including snow removers managed to drive the deer out of the premises, the report said.

- dpa