Air NZ flight delayed after fuel leak

An Air New Zealand plane has been held up in Bali after engineers discovered a fuel leak in pre-flight checks.

Flight NZ246 was due to depart Denpasar for Auckland 8am yesterday, but was rescheduled following the discovery of the minor leak, Air New Zealand spokeswoman Marie Hosking said.

It is understood about 200 passengers had to be accommodated for an extra night, because a spare part needed to be flown in from New Zealand before it could be fixed.

Hosking said a "fuel access panel" was flown to Bali overnight and the plane was due to leave Denpasar within the next half hour.

She said given it was the result of an engineering issue passengers were provided with accommodation and meals, "as is standard practice in situations such as this".

Passenger Richard Arlidge said they were accommodated at the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel.

"There is some confusion amongst passengers as to what Air NZ is paying for. As there is no AIR NZ office in Bali and the flight crew departed for their hotel and left the passengers in the airport with local Bali staff given the job of sorting out accommodation."

Because the Bali service was seasonal, Air New Zealand did not have an office in Bali but was instead represented at Denpasar Airport by a local service agent Hosking said.

- © Fairfax NZ News