NZ volcano Tongariro erupts: Air New Zealand flights cancelled, delayed

The eruption of New Zealand volcano Tongariro is causing disruption to regional flights in the North Island and the wider domestic network.

However, Trans-Tasman flights to Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch and other airports are unlikely to be seriously affected.

The impact is heaviest on smaller regional airports, with Air New Zealand advising it is "not expecting to be able to operate early services to or from Taupo, Rotorua or Gisborne airports tomorrow morning", Thursday 22 November.

"Ten services in and out of Taupo, Rotorua and Gisborne have been cancelled at this stage" the airline said in a statement this evening.

"Some early flights from other regional airports will also be affected as aircraft will need to be repositioned following today’s disruptions."

Delays and some cancellations could also affect Tauranga, Rotorua, Whakatane, Taupo, Gisborne and Napier/Hastings.

The Tongariro volcano sits in the centre of the North Island and slightly to the east of the halfway point between the Kiwi capital Wellington and economic powerhouse Auckland, which is also the international hub for Air New Zealand.

Jetstar flights are also affected, with reports that flight paths between Dunedin and Auckland have changed, resulting in slight delays.

For more: airnewzealand.co.nz and jetstar.co.nz

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John Walton

Aviation journalist and travel columnist John took his first long-haul flight when he was eight weeks old and hasn't looked back since. Well, except when facing rearwards in business class.