Auckland Airport's runway closed briefly on Friday for emergency maintenance after debris was found on it.
"[It was] temporarily closed due to debris found on the runway. This has reopened and services are resuming with some minor delays," the airport said earlier on Friday.
The maintenance created chaos for travellers, with multiple flights rescheduled or delayed. Among those delayed were flights coming from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Seoul - all originally meant to come in between 12:55pm and 3:10pm
Aircraft from multiple airlines were affected. Air New Zealand released a statement saying a number of its regional services have been impacted.
"As a result, six turboprop aircraft due to arrive at Auckland Airport have diverted to either Tauranga, Rotorua or Hamilton where they will refuel and continue to Auckland," a spokesperson said.
"Four regional flights due to depart Auckland Airport have been delayed."
No Air New Zealand jet services were affected.
One Singapore Airlines flight was forced to head to Ohakea, an RNZAF base north-west of Palmerston North. It will head to Auckland on Friday afternoon.
Labour MP Marja Lubeck appeared to be affected, with a glass half full view.
"Circling AKL during a delayed landing on the 1145 from W’ton provided opportunity for some extra lovely views," she said.
