Thick fog causes flight cancellations, backlog

Thick pea soup affecting Auckland International Airport [NZX: AIA] this morning has caused flight cancellations, a huge traveller backlog – and the Koru Club to turn away members.

Auckland Airport spokesman Simon Lambourne says 63 domestic flights have been cancelled and more than 35 domestic flights delayed due to fog.

However, flight restrictions were lifted at 11.25am.

There are delays to a number of regional and main trunk domestic flights.

China Southern flight CZ335 from Guangzhou was diverted to Christchurch, but landed at Auckland just before 1pm. It had been scheduled to land there at 6am. Delayed Jetstar flight JQ216 from Singapore has also now landed.

The fog has caused a huge traveller backlog at the airport, with the Koru Club lounge at full capacity and not accepting further passengers, a spokeswoman says.

Koru Club passengers – like others – are experiencing “hours and hours” of delay, with all domestic Link flights (those not going to main cities) cancelled until after noon, she says.

Air New Zealand spokeswoman Kelly Kilgour says the adverse Auckland weather conditions forced the cancellation of 23 return Link services and three one-way services.  

“Approximately 1,400 passengers have been affected and we are working to re-accommodate these passengers on alternate services.”
 
Metservice is predicting the sun to break through the fog later this morning.

Remaining misty conditions should clear by noon, with sunny spells and light winds for the day ahead, meteorologist Liz Walsh says. 

While most of the country experienced foggy conditions this morning, it hit Auckland and Northland the worst, she says. Other airports are not facing restrictions. 

Metservice is not forecasting further fog in the next five days.

Auckland and Northland will experience fine conditions for the rest of the week, although the rest of the country is forecast cold and wet conditions, Ms Walsh says.

Worried passengers can check the airport’s website or iPhone app, or with their airline, for the latest flight arrival and departure information. Air New Zealand passengers are advised to consult the airline's arrivals and departures page  or call the contact centre on 0800 737 000 for up to date flight information.