An Air New Zealand flight on its way to Tokyo from Auckland had to turn back due to a damaged windscreen (file photo). Photo: 123RF
An Air New Zealand flight from Auckland to Tokyo has had to turn back mid-flight due to a damaged windscreen.
Flight NZ99 got as far as Vanuatu before turning around.
Chief operational integrity and safety officer David Morgan said it was not yet known what caused the damage.
"Windows on aircraft are made up of multiple layers to withstand damage, however, to ensure the safety of our customers and crew it's part of our standard operating procedure to return to one of our ports to allow our maintenance team to undertake repairs," he said.
A passenger, Dave Garnet, was disappointed his travel plans had been disrupted.
Garnet and his wife Carol said that the overall mood was calm on the flight when the announcement was made about turning back.
It was handled well by the crew, they said.
Customers will be rebooked on the next available service.