Fire alarm in radar centre shuts down New Zealand airspace

Books Monday 30/September/2019 09:45 AM
By: Times News Service
Fire alarm in radar centre shuts down New Zealand airspace

Wellington: A fire alarm in New Zealand’s radar centre effectively shut down the country’s airspace, halting planes from taking off for a short time on Monday.

Planes were stranded on the tarmac and landings were being “managed” by Airways NZ after the country’s navigation service provider confirmed “a fault with our main air traffic system”.

“This means taking a conservative approach to managing New Zealand’s airspace. Therefore departures throughout New Zealand have been halted and arrivals are being managed,” a statement read.

Radio New Zealand reported that passengers at airports in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch reported delays.

AirWays NZ said an alarm went off at the building that houses the radar centre in Christchurch at about 1.30 pm (04.30 am Oman time).

“The fire brigade has now cleared the building as safe and the radar centre continues to operate,” a statement said.

Normal service resumed at 2.27 pm (05.27 am Oman time).