Air New Zealand (ANZ) has released a series of service updates following the eruption of volcano Mount Tongariro, located on the North Island, at around 0025GMT this morning.
International flights appear to be operating as scheduled at this time and the carrier says that it is working closely with the relevant authorities, including the Civil Aviation Authority and the Met Service, to keep up to date with ash movement and forecasts in order to stay clear of ash.
However, there is some disruption to domestic services, as ten services in and out of Taupo, Rotorua and Gisborne have been cancelled. The airline is not expecting to be able to operate early services to or from Taupo, Rotorua or Gisborne airports tomorrow morning.
Passengers are advised to check the Air New Zealand website for flight arrivals and departures information, which will be constantly updated throughout the day. Or you can keep up to date via the carrier’s twitter feed, @FlyAirNZ.
Volcanic ash becomes a threat to jet engines when particles enter the engine, heat up and solidify as glassy deposits which can prevent the engine from operating.
Low-cost carrier Easyjet has recently invested “tens of millions of pounds” in an ash cloud avoidance system for its aircraft, to read our special report click here.
For more information visit airnewzealand.co.nz.
Report by Scott Carey
