Air NZ flight diverted back to Auckland from Niue

Photo / file

An Air New Zealand flight with 136 people on board had to be diverted back to Auckland because of a suspected engineering issue this morning.

An Auckland Airport spokesman said there was a possible issue with the brakes overheating on Air New Zealand flight 784 to Niue, which departed about 9.45am.

Airport staff were put on standby ahead of the flight's landing at 12.30pm but emergency services were not notified.

According to online flight tracking website flightradar24, the flight circled at least 7 times off Coromandel before heading back to Auckland

An Air New Zealand spokeswoman said the decision was made to return to Auckland where Air New Zealand's technical operations base was located and full engineering support was available.

The aircraft was required to circle to burn off excess fuel prior to landing, which was standard procedure, she said.

The aircraft would be inspected by engineers while the 136 passengers had been re-booked to travel on an alternative service.

Were you on board? Please email news@hos.co.nz.