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Flights through Auckland Airport
are currently suspended due to high winds.

Ground handling operations have needed to pause due to wind speed on the airfield, and the need to protect the safety of airport workers, the airport said.

Air New Zealand said all its domestic flights in and out of Auckland have been cancelled for the remainder of today. This is expected to affect around 55 flights.

Air New Zealand chief operational integrity and safety officer Captain David Morgan says the strength and direction of winds at Auckland Airport are making it challenging to service aircraft, and it would be unsafe for our people to continue to operate.

International flights are still operating ‘‘at this stage,’’ he said.

‘’These are able to operate because the international terminal is more sheltered from winds, however, the airline will be monitoring wind gusts closely and will reassess if conditions change.With forecast strong winds for the remainder of the day, customers are warned to expect ongoing disruption and delays.’’

Air New Zealand started – then paused – jet services through Auckland Airport today and says 35,000 passengers have had flights disrupted in the past three days. Some face weeks to get new bookings.

Although Air New Zealand plans to resume scheduled services from tomorrow, there will be challenges.

“Today’s disruptions mean tomorrow will begin without all aircraft and crew in the locations required. We can also expect ongoing weather challenges, so we’re asking customers to please bear with us -our people are doing everything they can,” said Morgan.

Turboprop