Severe Weather Grounds Air New Zealand Flights in Wellington
On Friday, September 5, 2025, severe thunderstorms and gale-force winds forced Air New Zealand to cancel 28 flights, leaving numerous passengers stranded at Wellington Airport (WLG). Affected passengers were rebooked on the next available flights, with most expected to travel the following day.
Impact of Storms on Wellington
Thunderstorms brought hazardous weather, with strong wind gusts leading to the closure of parts of State Highway 2. One flight arriving from Queenstown (ZQN) around 5:30 pm exemplified the tense atmosphere, as passengers remained silent during landing and only cheered after a safe touchdown. Gusts reached up to 120 km/h according to MetService, though warnings were lifted by Saturday morning. However, weather disruptions persisted in other areas of New Zealand.
Broader Weather Effects Across the Country
- Eastern Bay of Plenty faced heavy rain between 9 am and 3 pm on Saturday.
- The Canterbury High Country experienced overnight gusts, with snow warnings for Arthur’s Pass and Lewis Pass.
- Southern Fiordland, Stewart Island, and surrounding coastal areas faced strong wind forecasts starting Saturday evening.
Airline Measures and Passenger Services
Air New Zealand worked to swiftly rebook passengers and minimize inconvenience. Customer care teams assisted at Wellington Airport, updating flight availability and options. The airline stressed that safety concerns prompted the cancellations, not operational limitations.
Previous Incident at Gisborne Airport
Earlier, on July 31, 2025, Air New Zealand halted all operations at Gisborne Airport (GIS) due to the urgent repairs of two aircraft. The disruption began when two de Havilland Q300 turboprops were taken out of service, blocking both airport gates and halting arrivals and departures. Passengers experienced extended delays, with some receiving late cancellation notices, complicating their travel plans.
Advice for Travelers
Though flights resumed at Wellington (WLG) by Saturday, travelers are encouraged to remain vigilant of potential delays given New Zealand’s unpredictable spring weather. Monitoring airline updates and MetService forecasts is recommended for all passengers.
