Stranded Air New Zealand travelers endure delays in Wellington due to inclement weather conditions.
In a series of events, wild weather has disrupted travel plans across New Zealand, causing the cancellation of 28 flights in the capital, Wellington, and forcing road closures in various regions.
On Friday evening, the strong winds that were forecast by MetService up to 120km/h for the Wellington area made it difficult for passengers to walk with their bags as they disembarked from a flight that landed around 5.30pm. A passenger reported a quiet cabin as the plane came in to land, a stark contrast to the usual hustle and bustle of a flight. However, no new information about the passengers' experiences or the weather conditions during or after landing was provided.
Air New Zealand has confirmed that the cancelled flights affected passengers scheduled to fly from or to Wellington that day. Specific affected individuals or groups were not detailed in the available information. The airline has since rebooked affected customers on the next available service, with most scheduled to travel on the same day.
Thunderstorms and strong winds affected the region, causing parts of State Highway 2 to close. From Saturday evening, strong winds were expected in southern Fiordland, Stewart Island, coastal parts of Southland, Clutha, and Dunedin. Road snow warnings were also in place for Milford Road (SH94) and Crown Range Road.
Snow warnings were in place at Arthur's Pass and Lewis Pass, while a heavy rain watch was issued for the eastern Bay of Plenty ranges between 9am and 3pm. From Saturday evening, overnight, there was expected to be strong winds across the Canterbury High Country. However, no watches or warnings were in place for the capital on Saturday.
Despite the challenging weather conditions, the landing of the flight in Wellington around 5.30pm was met with applause and cheers from many passengers, according to a passenger report. This display of unity and resilience in the face of adversity serves as a reminder of the Kiwi spirit.
As always, it is advisable to check the latest weather updates and travel advisories before embarking on any journey. Stay safe and travel well.
