Planes briefly grounded across the country over ‘fault with main air traffic system’

This article is more than 11 months old

This article is more than 11 months old

A fire alarm in New Zealand’s radar centre effectively shut down the country’s airspace, halting planes from taking off for a short time on Monday afternoon.

Planes were stranded on the tarmac and landings were being “managed” by Airways NZ after the country’s navigation service provider confirmed “a fault with our main air traffic system”.

Māori anger as Air New Zealand seeks to trademark 'Kia Ora' logo Read more

“This means taking a conservative approach to managing New Zealand’s airspace. Therefore departures throughout New Zealand have been halted and arrivals are being managed,” a statement read.

Radio New Zealand reported that passengers at airports in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch reported delays.

Christchurch Airport (@CHC_Airport) Apologies for delays to your travel at the moment. Planes have been grounded at airports all over the country as a result of an issue for @AirwaysNZ, which manages air traffic control.

AirWays NZ said an alarm went off at the building that houses the radar centre in Christchurch at about 1.30pm.

“The fire brigade has now cleared the building as safe and the radar centre continues to operate,” a statement said.

Normal service resumed at 2.27pm.