Tag: domestic flights

Cat Links TRAVELLING

Air NZ cancels all Auckland domestic flights for the rest of the day, airport suspends operations

Posted on Thomas B. Stewart

Domestic flights have been suspended again at Auckland Airport after continued disruption caused by high winds.

And while international Air NZ flights remain scheduled to operate, ground handling services (baggage loading/unloading) were at 4.15pm on hold for all airlines due to high winds.

Passengers have battled queues and long waits after some flights resumed earlier today, following a 24-hour pause on Monday in the path of Cyclone Gabrielle.

The airport company said at 3.45pm today that “ground handling operations have needed to pause due to wind speed on the airfield, and the need to protect the safety of airport workers.”

Air New Zealand announced it had cancelled all domestic flights in and out of Auckland for the rest of the day, in a move that is expected to affect about 55 flights.

Air New Zealand chief operational integrity and safety officer Captain David Morgan said the strength and direction of winds at Auckland Airport were making it challenging to service aircraft, and it would be unsafe for staff “to continue to operate in these conditions”.

Air NZ is still planning to operate international flights at this stage – even though they are currently suspended.

“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,” said Morgan.

 “With forecast strong winds for the remainder of the day, customers are warned to expect ongoing disruption and delays. 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. Customers

… Read the rest
Cat Links TRAVELLING

Cyclone Gabrielle: High winds force suspension of ground-handling operations at Auckland; no international or domestic flights can depart

Posted on Thomas B. Stewart

Chris Hipkins speaks on the National State of Emergency. Video / NZ Herald

High winds have forced the suspension of ground-handling operations at Auckland Airport from now until midnight, meaning no international or domestic passenger flights can depart or arrive until tomorrow.

Travellers with booked flights tonight were asked not to go to the airport and to contact their airline. Those already in check-in were asked to return home or to their accommodation.

The airport said some travellers arriving tonight will not be able to collect their checked bags as normal, because they cannot be returned to them safely Instead, travellers are asked to complete a form and report their missing bags in the baggage hall.

Airport officials said the organisation was “working with airline partners to support stranded passengers”.

Advertisement

Advertise with NZME.

“Safety comes first at Auckland Airport and given current high winds and the need to ensure the safety of everyone working in and around the airport apron areas, ground-handling operators have decided to suspend operations for the rest of the night,” said Auckland Airport chief customer officer Scott Tasker in a statement at 6.45pm.

“These are the people who manage the baggage loading and unloading, airbridge connections, passenger embarking and disembarking, and aircraft refuelling and ground handling services – they need to be safe when they’re working on the airfield, and the airport system can’t operate without them.

“We apologise to travellers for the disruption, particularly those that have already experienced significant travel challenges over the past couple of weeks. The weather just hasn’t been on our side, but the safety of staff and passengers come first as we manage through the impacts of this severe weather event.”

Cargo flights, medical emergency flights and private charter flights can still arrive and depart.

Advertisement

Advertise with NZME.

… Read the rest
Cat Links TRAVELLING

SunExpress Extends Free Evacuation Flights Until February 20

Posted on Thomas B. Stewart
SunExpress Extends Free Evacuation Flights Until February
SunExpress Extends Free Evacuation Flights Until February 20

SunExpress, a joint venture of Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa, announced that it will continue its free evacuation flights from the earthquake zone. The airline will operate all domestic flights from Adana, Diyarbakır, Gaziantep, Kayseri, Malatya, Hatay and Mardin free of charge until 20 February. Flights can be booked free of charge via the SunExpress website and mobile application.

SunExpress has carried out a total of 125 special flights to bring search and rescue and medical teams to the earthquake zone. SunExpress, which carried more than 4500 search-rescue and medical teams to the region on special flights it organized, ensured the evacuation of more than 9400 people affected by the earthquake on the return flights of these flights.

The airline delivered 161 tons of relief materials to the earthquake zone by providing free cargo service, which came through all official authorities, especially AFAD.

Established an air bridge from Germany for aid

By building a bridge between Turkey and Germany, SunExpress delivers the medical team, equipment and other collected needs to the earthquake zone. SunExpress delivered a medical team of 12 people from Germany to Adana on February 30 with their medical equipment.

Delivering aid from abroad to the earthquake zone, SunExpress carries the aid collected in Frankfurt to Antalya and delivers them to those in need with the coordination of AFAD. In addition, 30 generators will be brought to Turkey from Berlin in cooperation with Lufthansa Cargo.

  • To date, it has evacuated more than 125 people from the earthquake area with 9400 special flights.
  • All domestic flights departing from Adana, Diyarbakır, Gaziantep, Kayseri, Malatya, Hatay and Mardin will be operated free of charge until 20 February.
  • Established an air bridge to transport the aid collected in Germany


Günceleme: 14/02/2023 12:25

… Read the rest
Cat Links TRAVELLING

Cyclone Gabrielle: Flights through Auckland Airport suspended, 55 Air NZ domestic services cancelled

Posted on Thomas B. Stewart

Cyclone Gabrielle: Fire and Emergency briefing at 7.30am; Auckland Emergency Management from 8am

* Cyclone Gabrielle: Follow our live updates

* Cyclone Gabrielle: All you need to know today

* Cyclone Gabrielle: When will the bad weather end in your region?

Flights through Auckland Airport

Advertisement

Advertise with NZME.

… Read the rest