Air NZ flight returns to Auckland after mechanical issue found following takeoff

The Auckland to Queenstown flight was diverted shortly after takeoff.

A flight from Auckland had to be redirected back to the city’s airport after a mechanical issue was identified shortly after takeoff.

Air New Zealand flight NZ637, from Auckland to Queenstown, was due to touch down shortly before 1.30pm.

However, passengers instead found themselves flying back towards West Auckland and returning to the Auckland domestic terminal.

Air New Zealand’s head of flight operations, Hugh Pearce, said: “Flight NZ637 from Auckland to Queenstown returned to Auckland shortly following takeoff after a hydraulic issue was identified.

“The aircraft has landed safely and our maintenance team will now inspect the aircraft before it is returned to service.”

Fire and emergency services were not called to the terminal. However, several airport vehicles were on standby as the flight touched down in Auckland again.

Air New Zealand is now working to get affected passengers on new flights to Queenstown.

“We regret the inconvenience this has caused our customers travelling to Queenstown this afternoon,” Pearce said.

“We are working to get them to their destination as quickly as possible. We thank them for their patience and understanding.”

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