Air NZ flight 'extremely disappointed' in tour group after plane grounded

File photo / NZ Herald

Air New Zealand is "extremely disappointed" members of a tour group that may have been exposed to the stomach bug Norovirus boarded one of its flights today.

Mt Cook flight NZ5374 from Queenstown to Christchurch was held on the tarmac at Christchurch this morning while health authorities were called in after passengers reported feeling unwell.

Air New Zealand chief medical officer Tim Sprott said flying while sick was against International Air Transport Association's medical guidelines and the airline's policy.

"In making the decision to travel, apparently against medical advice received in recent days, this group showed a complete lack of concern for the health and well-being of their fellow travellers," he said.

"Their actions caused the local public health authority to be called out and significantly inconveniencee other passengers who were delayed as a result."

Airline staff screened passengers who were obviously unwell at the gate, but it was up to each passenger to take responsibility.

It emerged members of the tour group had been exposed to Norovirus, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain.

"[The flight] was delayed this morning while advice was sought from Canterbury regional public health authorities after reports of unwell passengers on board," a spokeswoman for Air New Zealand said.

"The unwell passengers were part of a tour party of 40 -- some of whom indicated to our cabin crew that the group had been exposed to Norovirus.

"After public health authorities had assessed the situation the all-clear was given to disembark the passengers, with the unwell passengers advised they cannot be accepted for further travel until they are well again."

Earlier, one passenger, Charles Finney, tweeted: "Not allowed to leave flight at Christchurch because health authorities worried passengers might have contagious virus! A first for me!"

He continued to update the situation, saying he was "furious" the tour group got on board knowing some of them were unwell.

He posted: "Worried about Norovirus. Tour group has had unwell people for days apparently but still travelled!"

At 10.40am he tweeted he was "free at last", but that many were unhappy at missing meetings and connecting flights.