SYDNEY- A Qantas (QF) flight from Brisbane (BNE) to Wellington (WLG) was diverted to Auckland (AKL) after poor weather prevented the aircraft from landing, leaving passengers tired and frustrated.
Confusion followed the landing at Auckland Airport (AKL), with one traveller claiming those on board were initially told they would be flown back to Australia before formal alternatives were laid out.
Qantas Flight to Wellington Diverted
Low cloud over Wellington Airport (WLG) prevented the Qantas (QF) aircraft from landing safely, forcing the crew to divert to Auckland (AKL).
After touching down, passengers remained on board for more than an hour while ground teams worked through the procedural complications of an unplanned international arrival.
According to The Stuff, uncertainty set in immediately after the aircraft came to a halt, with passengers unsure whether they would be permitted to disembark at Auckland.
Donna Goss, whose friend was on board the flight, relayed details of the experience. Her friend, a New Zealand resident returning home after visiting family in Australia, was among the affected travellers.
Goss said passengers waited on the tarmac for over an hour before being briefed on their options.
One traveller on board claimed those on the aircraft were initially told they would be flown back to Australia, before the airline laid out formal alternatives.
Limited Options for Travellers
Passengers were eventually offered two choices. The first was a second attempt to land at Wellington (WLG), which remained unviable due to ongoing weather conditions.
The second was a return flight to Brisbane (BNE), as New Zealand Customs at Auckland would not clear them locally with Wellington listed as their declared port of entry.
“They were told they either go back to Wellington and have another go, which they can’t because of the weather, or they go back to Brisbane because Customs in Auckland won’t let them disembark as Wellington was their planned entry point,” Goss said.
Qantas Apologises
In a statement provided to Stuff, a Qantas (QF) spokesperson apologised for the disruption. “We sincerely apologise to customers for the experience, and our teams are working hard to get them on their way as soon as possible,” the airline said.
In a separate statement to the NZ Herald, Qantas confirmed that passengers had since disembarked at Auckland and would be rebooked on the next available flights to Wellington.
Frustration Among Kiwi Passengers
Goss said the situation was particularly difficult given the cabin composition, with many New Zealand residents unable to step off in their own country.
“It just seems crazy. The flight will be full of Kiwis who can’t even get off in Auckland,” she said.
She added that the disruption would weigh on both returning New Zealanders and overseas visitors with onward plans from Wellington (WLG).
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