Newstalk ZB
A number of flights due to touch down at Auckland International Airport have been diverted after a problem was identified with an aircraft already on the runway. Air New Zealand said a flight from Auckland to Hong Kong (NZ81) suffered a technical issue with the braking system of the aircraft when it was positioned for take-off at the end of the runway. The incident happened late this morning. Air NZ chief risk and safety officer, Nathan McGraw, said: “The aircraft is currently being assessed by our engineers to ensure its safe removal from the runway. “We apologise for the disruption and are working to get customers to their destinations as soon as possible.” Auckland Airport said several flights due to touch down in Auckland were diverted. It is understood that at least one flight was diverted to Hamilton. Passengers travelling out of the city this morning told NZME they could see an Air NZ plane stuck on the runway. “No planes coming or going - it’s a cluster out there,” one man said. “I’m stuck here trying to get to Christchurch.” An airport spokesman said the issue was related to an aircraft that was taxiing on the airfield before it encountered a mechanical issue. “The aircraft is now undergoing engineering checks and flight operations are returning to normal.” More to come...
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