Fog and safety works disrupt Auckland Airport flights

Fog was the primary cause of disruption at Auckland Airport this morning, with low-visibility procedures reducing aircraft movements to about half of normal levels.

Across the morning, 24 arriving and 24 departing domestic flights were cancelled, with another eight domestic flights delayed.

At the same time, ongoing airfield lighting works required extra safety measures that also impacted operations.

The airport said an ongoing upgrade to airfield lighting infrastructure – including software controlling “stopbars” – was in its final phase.

“Auckland Airport’s priority is safety and all operational decisions are made with this in mind,” it said in a statement.

Stopbars, which function like traffic lights at taxiway intersections, are critical during low-visibility conditions such as fog, helping safely manage aircraft movements on the ground.

The upgrade programme is part of planned work to strengthen the safety and resilience of the airfield. However, because the work is being carried out while the airport remains fully operational, extra precautions are required in certain conditions.

This morning, those procedures added further constraints on flight movements already limited by fog – a “necessary and considered response” to maintain safety across the airfield, the airport said.

During fog events, flights are prioritised, with international services typically given precedence.

Domestic jet services can continue but are often delayed, while regional flights are usually suspended. This is because inbound international aircraft often carry limited fuel reserves and cannot easily divert to smaller airports.

Despite the disruption, the airport remained open and all airfield lighting systems were fully operational.

The airport emphasised that while the lighting upgrade introduced additional operational considerations, it was essential work designed to ensure long-term safety for airlines and passengers.

Tom Eley is a multimedia journalist at the Waikato Herald. Before he joined the Hamilton-based team, he worked for the Weekend Sun and Sunlive. He previously worked as a journalist at Black Press Media in Canada and won a fellowship with the Vancouver Sun.