Sam Sherwood: senior crime journalist on the disappearance of Christchurch real estate agent Yanfei Bao - Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

A man accused of kidnapping a Christchurch real estate agent had reportedly booked a one-way flight overseas.

44-year-old Harcourts employee Yanfei Bao was last seen in Wigram, on Wednesday.

Her cellphone was found on the Southern Motorway on Friday.

A 52-year-old Bryndwr man appeared in court today, understood to have been arrested at Christchurch Airport.

The Herald's Sam Sherwood says Bao's husband is calling her disappearance a nightmare.

"He says it's been a very dark space, but he remains hopeful for a positive outcome for his wife."

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