Auckland-bound Air New Zealand flight diverted to Hamilton due to smell of gas

An Air New Zealand plane headed for Auckland was diverted to Hamilton this morning.

An Air New Zealand flight between Nelson and Auckland was grounded to Hamilton Airport this morning due to the smell of gas.

Air New Zealand chief operational integrity and safety officer David Morgan said the gas smell was noticed by the crew and pilot.

“Customers disembarked the aircraft as a precaution in Hamilton, as part of standard operating procedure, and the aircraft and its baggage hold will be assessed,” Morgan said.

“Customers have been communicated with and alternative transport is being arranged for them to get to Auckland and we thank them for their patience and understanding.”

Morgan said pilots and crew are trained to manage situations of this nature.

A passenger on the flight said crew had smelt the gas prior to departing and for this reason the flight was delayed.

“They actually smelled it before we took off and the flight was delayed while they unloaded bags and looked for the source,” they said.

They said the source was not able to be traced and the smell dissipated meaning the flight was given the all clear to fly.

“Then it apparently came back later in the flight so they diverted to Hamilton.”