Auckland Airport has delayed the reopening of international arrivals and departures after flooding overnight "significantly impacted" critical infrastructure components.
In an update, the airport said it needs more time to ensure its key operating systems are working and to carry out safety checks.
As a result, there will be no international departures from Auckland Airport until 5am, Sunday January 29 and no international departures until 7am, Sunday January 29.
However Air New Zealand said while the terminal will be open for flying from 5am, it is unable to resume international flying out of Auckland until 12 noon tomorrow.
"It's unlikely we'll be ready to restart departures after assessments today show significant damage to ticketing, baggage and processing equipment," said Air NZ chief operational integrity and safety officer Captain David Morgan.
"We know from midday that airport and airline operations will be back up and running, and we'll be restarting with around three flights an hour as we ease into it.
"For context, we usually operate around 13 baggage belts, but with the damage we could be down to as few as three. This is why we'll slowly ramp up services as we gain greater confidence that we can deliver these services."
Domestic travel has resumed and is operating normally.
"Other than a few delays shortly after restarting, our domestic operation is largely back to normal. Safety remains our top priority. We're working hard to clear the backlog of customers and reiterate that customers not needing to travel should utilise our flexibility policy," Captain Morgan added.
Auckland Airport CEO Carrie Hurihanganui apologised to passengers and other airport users for the "extraordinary disruption and discomfort" the flooding has caused.
"This has been a significant event that has put our city into a state of emergency, and certainly the airport has never been tested in this way before. But the delay to reopening is necessary to ensure travellers' safety," she said in a statement.
"Our assessment is we need more time to make sure it is all working well and more importantly, safely, before we resume international operations.
"We know there will be lessons to learn out of such a unique event, and our priority today is passenger welfare and getting international travel back up and running as fast as possible.”
Advice for passengers at the terminal
- People should not come to the international terminal for travel today
- With no international passenger flights to take place prior to 5am tomorrow, people who are currently located at the international terminal are being asked to return home until you have details of your rescheduled flight
- Travellers are encouraged to find Auckland-based accommodation with friends and family if possible
- Auckland Airport is working with all parties, public and private to support stranded passengers
Advice for passengers with travel booked in the coming days
- Airline schedules may be disrupted for several days due to the severity of this event
- If you are unsure about the impact on your travel plans, please contact your airline or check airline apps or websites
Greater flexibility for those impacted
Air New Zealand has introduced flexibility for customers who hold Air NZ tickets to, from or through Auckland between Friday 27 January 2023 and Monday 30 January 2023
- Domestic customers are able to rebook in the same class of travel between Saturday 28 January 2023 and Monday 6 February 2023 without fare difference, penalty or service fees
- International customers have until Monday 13 February. If travel is only available in a higher cabin, the fare differential will apply
- If customers no longer wish to travel, they can choose to cancel their flight and request a credit through 'Manage Booking'
- Customers will have 12 months from the day the credit is processed to book a flight, and another 12 months to travel
