Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Christchurch earthquake grounds air travellers

At Phuket City Police Station, four youths held over motorcycle theft
1. Christchurch earthquake grounds air travellers
TRANSPORT in and around New Zealand was disrupted by the Christchurch earthquake after air traffic control shut down air space.

QANTAS, Virgin Blue and Jestar said they did not have planes on the ground in Christchurch but several en-route aircraft were diverted.

A temporary shut-down of New Zealand air traffic control meant planes in other centres were delayed.

Jetstar diverted a trans-Tasman flight to Hobart and another was diverted to Auckland.

The airline bases four aircraft in Christchurch and has more 100 directly employed staff and contractors in the city.

It said it was progressively contacting the workers.

``We'll work though what we need to do,'' spokesman Simon Westaway said.

``Christchurch Airport is currently closed and we haven't got advice on when it will re-open.''



Mr Westaway said air traffic control restrictions meant Jetstar operations in New Zealand had been grounded but it was hopefully of re-instating some flights later today and was also hopeful of operating trans-Tasman flights to Auckland.

He said the airline would provide full flexibility on refunds, cancellations and changes for affected flights..

Virgin Blue said a Melbourne-Christchurch aircraft was diverted to Auckland and the airline would not be resuming flights to C until it received further information about the runway, infrastructure and electricity at the airport.

Virgin Blue group executive operations Sean Donohue said passengers the affected flight would be accommodated there until the situation was clarified in Christchurch.

Mr. Donohue said passengers holding reservations for travel today and tomorrow were encouraged to go to the Virgin Blue website www.virginblue.com.au for updates and information regarding the airline's flexible travel policies.

Qantas said one flight had been diverted to Wellington and would be returning to Sydney.

A spokesman said a Melbourne-bound flight had departed Auckland and the airline was also intending to operate to the reverse leg later today.








By

NEHA JAIN

      

   

     



            
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