Dunedin flights halted after worker calls in sick
Dunedin International Airport was back to normal this morning after jet flights to and from the city were stopped last night after an air traffic controller called in sick.
Six controllers work at the airport on sole-charge shifts and the absence meant jet flights between 7.40 last night and 6.30am today were unable to land or take off, The Otago Daily Times reported.
Two flights from Wellington and Auckland, carrying 237 passengers and due to land at 8.15pm and 9pm respectively, were redirected to Invercargill, from where passengers were transported to Dunedin by bus.
Another 58 passengers travelling to Christchurch were transferred from a 737 to a turbo-prop ATR-72, as smaller planes were able to fly to airports without controllers.
Chief executive John McCall said the same situation would never be allowed to develop in Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch.
"It's another case where Dunedin gets caught on the end."
- NZPA
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What makes it even more embarrassing is that they were diverted to Invercargill! That's right up there with Wellington passengers being diverted to Palmerston North.
What is the bet the guy just had a late night and just wanted to sleep in?
hahaha funny
Adequate staffing is management 101 this is disgusting and should NEVER happen, what a joke!
If Dunedin is classified as International, maybe Oamaru will be next???
could NZ get any more third world?
really not gud enough!
They landed in a far superior place
do they not have another on call? Basic risk management?
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@Shaun #8. China (including Hong Kong) is still a third-world country, but you would agree that Hong Kong and Beijing International Airports are better than Dunedin. You can't say all third world countries have worst airports that Dunedin's!