Six planes bound for Auckland Airport this afternoon have been diverted after the runway was closed for maintenance.
Passengers wait for their flights at Auckland Airport. Photo: 123RF
Auckland Airport has confirmed the runway was closed following the identification of foreign object debris and the need to carry out a small patch repair.
In a brief statement, an airport spokesperson says the runway has now reopened after being closed for maintenance.
The closure affected a number of Air New Zealand's regional services.
Six turboprop aircraft bound for Auckland Airport have diverted to either Tauranga, Rotorua or Hamilton, where they will refuel and continue to Auckland.
A further four regional flights due to depart Auckland Airport have been delayed - with no impact to the airline's jet services.
Auckland Airport is advising people flying this afternoon to check their airlines for flight updates.