Six planes bound for Auckland Airport this afternoon have been diverted after the runway was closed for maintenance.

Photo: 123RF

Auckland Airport has confirmed the runway was closed following the identification of foreign object debris and the need to carry out a small patch repair.

In a brief statement, an airport spokesperson says the runway has now reopened after being closed for maintenance.

The closure affected a number of Air New Zealand's regional services.

Six turboprop aircraft bound for Auckland Airport have diverted to either Tauranga, Rotorua or Hamilton, where they will refuel and continue to Auckland.

A further four regional flights due to depart Auckland Airport have been delayed - with no impact to the airline's jet services.

Auckland Airport is advising people flying this afternoon to check their airlines for flight updates.