Flights resume at Wellington Airport after terminal fire leaves travellers stranded

Wellington Airport has reopened this morning, but passengers are warned to expect disruption after a fire in the domestic terminal. 

Flights were diverted and hundreds of people stranded - both those unable to disembark from planes and others forced to wait on the airport tarmac - as smoke billowed from the airport terminal and across the runway as dozens of firefighters arrived to battle the blaze soon after 7pm last night. 

The fire in the southwest terminal was out and international flights were scheduled to arrive on time, a Wellington Airport spokesperson said late last night. 

“The airport will be open as usual tomorrow, however there may be some flow-on disruptions to flights so passengers are advised to check directly with their airlines.” 

There appeared to be no significant disruption to flights at Wellington Airport this morning, according to the airport’s website. 

Eight fire engines, two ladder trucks, one command unit and one breathing apparatus were sent to the fire at Wellington Airport last night. 

Air New Zealand flight NZ402 from Auckland to Wellington at 7.05am was cancelled, but it is not clear if that is because of last night’s fire, this morning’s fog in Auckland or another reason. 

Eight fire engines, two ladder trucks, one command unit and one breathing apparatus were sent to Wellington Airport after reports machinery was on fire at 7.15pm, a Fire and Emergency spokesperson said last night. 

Fire and Emergency New Zealand would be investigating the cause of the fire, the Wellington Airport spokesperson said. 

They said the southwest pier and main terminal building at Wellington Airport were evacuated after a smoke alarm was set off. 

No one was hurt in the incident, they said. 

The fire at Wellington Airport disrupted hundreds of travellers last night. 

Hundreds stranded on tarmac 

Multiple flights were affected and some travellers reported they were stuck on planes unable to disembark. 

“It’s a newsworthy shambles here,” one person said. 

Crowds pictured on the tarmac at Wellington Airport after a fire in the domestic terminal sparked evacuations. 

Outside the terminal, ground staff announced last night passengers wouldn’t be able to retrieve luggage. 

They were told to come back this morning to pick up luggage that had been checked or left on a plane when the evacuations took place, RNZ reported. 

One traveller shared a picture showing hundreds of passengers standing on the tarmac. It appeared they were unable to enter the terminal. 

Evacuated passengers on the tarmac at Wellington Airport after a fire. 

National Party MP Tim Costley also posted to his social media from the airport. 

“Can’t get off plane in Wellington. Apparently fire in terminal,” he wrote. 

In an update posted on Instagram, Costley said firefighters were “attacking the fire from above”. 

Another person who landed after a flight from Hamilton told the Herald the plane’s captain told passengers it was unknown how long they’d be stuck there. 

She could see smoke as soon as she landed, Amanda Williamson said last night. 

“I can see quite a few fire trucks now. You can smell something in the air, it doesn’t seem to be too big or out of control.” 

A message on the loudspeaker said: “This area is on hold but you are safe, no action needed”. 

“No information was given, staff were advising people it’s just a toaster [fire] or something. It is looking like it’s a lot more than that.” 

Major flight disruptions 

Two flights, one from Auckland and one from Christchurch, were rerouted seemingly to avoid landing at Wellington Airport, according to flightradar24. 

Air New Zealand chief operations officer Kate Boyer said last night Air New Zealand flights in and out of Wellington were being held until further notice. 

Two flights have made U-turns and have been rerouted seemingly to avoid landing at Wellington Airport. 

Those travelling in and out of the city last night were able to change their flights free of charge, she said. 

A Jetstar spokesperson told RNZ its operations were not significantly affected by the fire.