Helen Clark is being prevented from leaving Melbourne Airport by baggage handlers angry at the role of Air New Zealand in the collapse of Ansett.
The baggage handlers are reported to have backed trucks in behind her aircraft which was due to leave at 8.45 this morning (NZT).
An airport spokeswoman has confirmed an Air New Zealand flight was being held up on the tarmac by what was believed to be Ansett trucks.
She said Air New Zealand staff were doing what they could to keep passengers comfortable.
Australian Workers Union National Secretary Bill Shorten today told The Age newspaper the Howard government had killed Ansett last night and that Air NZ had robbed Ansett workers of half a billion dollars of employee entitlements.
All flight operations at the troubled Australian airline were suspended this morning. Administrators said they had "no other option".
The decision was effective immediately and affected 17,000 staff and 45,000 passengers.
Prime Minister trapped by angry Ansett baggage handlers
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