In a statement to the Herald, the Civil Aviation Authority confirmed a “technical fault” this afternoon in the main Operational Control System (OCS) platform had “temporarily disrupted air traffic services across several sectors”.
“The issue has since been resolved, and Oceania airspace is now open.
“The Civil Aviation Authority continues to monitor the situation closely.
“In line with our safety oversight responsibilities, we will be following up with Airways New Zealand regarding the cause of the outage as part of our normal regulatory activities. Further updates will be provided if required.”
However, in a statement tonight to the Herald, Jetstar said the disruption was caused by an air traffic control outage.
“Two Jetstar flights, one from Christchurch and one from Dunedin, have returned to refuel but are set to re-depart shortly.”
In email to affected passengers on a cancelled Air New Zealand flight tonight, the Kiwi airline also said the aircraft was turned back due to an air traffic control outage in the lower half of New Zealand, Stuff reported.
This had impacted flights entering the Oceanic airspace.
Air New Zealand told the Herald the airline’s flights were now operating as normal but referred further queries to Airways.
Airways and multiple airports have also been contacted for comment.
The Herald has also sought comment from Associate Transport Minister James Meager who has responsibility for Civil Aviation.
Passenger on delayed flight told of ‘technical issues’
Those flying from Gold Coast Airport to Christchurch tonight on Jetstar flight JQ187 are unable to check-in, passenger Carl Taylor told the Herald.
“They told us there were technical issues with the airspace and that check-in is closed until they make an announcement.”
Taylor said it was uncertain whether the flight, which was scheduled to depart at 6.55pm, would go ahead as scheduled or be cancelled.
“I don’t even think it’s left Christchurch yet,” he said.
“It says check-in is open, but you can’t actually check in.
“I just wish I took my Air New Zealand flight yesterday like I had planned,” Taylor said.
“I actually said to my wife, ‘We’ve never had an issue with Jetstar before, and this is the first time’ — although it doesn’t sound like it is Jetstar’s issue.”
More to come.