Air NZ flight from Auckland to Napier forced to return to gate after medical emergency

Air New Zealand has confirmed that NZ5009 from Auckland to Napier returned to the gate after a passenger became unwell. Photo / File

An Air New Zealand flight was forced to return back to the gate after a passenger experienced a medical emergency just before takeoff.

An Air New Zealand spokesperson confirmed that NZ5009 from Auckland to Napier returned to the gate after a passenger became unwell.

The customer was offloaded and the flight departed 40 minutes late.