A flight bound for the northwest Chinese city of Dunhuang was delayed on Saturday due to a terror threat, which later turned out to be a hoax.

China Express Airlines flight G52689 delayed its takeoff at Zhongchuan Airport in Lanzhou, capital of Gansu Province, after receiving a terror threat that was later proved to be a hoax, local authorities said.

The flight from Chongqing which landed in Lanzhou at 12:32 pm remained on the ground until 2:17 pm as authorities verified the threat and checked the plane, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

Police have reportedly traced the caller but have not released any further details.