That's interesting. In the last week not a single NZ flight from ZQN to BNE/SYD/MEL has diverted to CHC. However, 3 QF to BNE (QF186) and 1 QF to MEL (QF178) have diverted. Jetstar cancelled 2 flights to MEL. Still plenty of fuel for the locals it seems.
It’s possible that the NZ flights start the flying pattern in Auckland which means they can carry additional fuel to Queenstown for the Tasman sector
It seems only a320neo aircraft are used by NZ on Tasman flights from ZQN. The 5 frames owned by NZ very rarely operate domestic services involving Queenstown. However, perhaps they require less fuel than the QF 738's? I guess it would have to be significantly less to make a difference in a fuel shortage though.
On a NZ avaiation Facebook book page it was stated that weather conditions in Queenstown were such that the 737-800s couldn't meet the safety requirements to be able totake off and clear mountains on a single engine. Fuel shortage was temporary for just a day or so
One incident on NZ 13-July MEL-ZQN was that the GPS was not operational and had to divert to CHC for repairs as it couldn’t fly the RNP approach. What was interesting is that the PIC said that they couldn’t land at ZQN if revised ETA was after dark.
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Qantas diversions from Queenstown
tommygun
tommygun
Delta Air Lines - SkyMiles
Member since 16 Oct 2017
Total posts 291
A number of QF flights from ZQN, principally to MEL and BNE, have been diverting to CHC. Seems to have started a week or so ago. Does anyone know why?
Grannular
Grannular
Member since 31 Mar 2014
Total posts 283
Can't get out of Queenstown with enough fuel onboard maybe?
tommygun
tommygun
Delta Air Lines - SkyMiles
Member since 16 Oct 2017
Total posts 291
Originally Posted by Grannular
Can't get out of Queenstown with enough fuel onboard maybe?
aklrunway
aklrunway
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 09 May 2011
Total posts 180
There is a fuel shortage at Queenstown Airport
tommygun
tommygun
Delta Air Lines - SkyMiles
Member since 16 Oct 2017
Total posts 291
Originally Posted by aklrunway
There is a fuel shortage at Queenstown Airport
aklrunway
aklrunway
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 09 May 2011
Total posts 180
It’s possible that the NZ flights start the flying pattern in Auckland which means they can carry additional fuel to Queenstown for the Tasman sector
tommygun
tommygun
Delta Air Lines - SkyMiles
Member since 16 Oct 2017
Total posts 291
Originally Posted by aklrunway
It’s possible that the NZ flights start the flying pattern in Auckland which means they can carry additional fuel to Queenstown for the Tasman sector
aniljak
aniljak
Member since 15 Sep 2012
Total posts 99
On a NZ avaiation Facebook book page it was stated that weather conditions in Queenstown were such that the 737-800s couldn't meet the safety requirements to be able totake off and clear mountains on a single engine. Fuel shortage was temporary for just a day or so
taxiwayalpha
taxiwayalpha
Member since 29 Jul 2022
Total posts 1
One incident on NZ 13-July MEL-ZQN was that the GPS was not operational and had to divert to CHC for repairs as it couldn’t fly the RNP approach. What was interesting is that the PIC said that they couldn’t land at ZQN if revised ETA was after dark.