Air NZ flights affected by terror attacks

8.00 am - By JOSIE CLARKE

Passengers on flight NZ2 from Auckland to Los Angeles arrived back in Auckland about 8 am after their plane was turned around half way through the flight.

Flight crew woke passengers to tell them that "unforeseen circumstances" in the United States meant they would have to return.

Terrorists struck at two symbols of American power: the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon.

One passenger, Rosalind Smith of Florida, was distraught when she arrived back at Auckland. She said she had a friend working for a modelling agency based at the World Trade Centre. She knew no other details other than that United States air space was closed indefinitely.

Canadian Randy Harris from Ontario, was on his way home via Los Angeles. He had only seen brief footage of the attack on televisions as he walked through Auckland Airport.

He felt quite disgusted.

"Americans will not tolerate this. It will be interesting to see what happens."

Gordon Cragg was on his way home to Washington.

"I was shocked and worried. My wife works downtown. I've been in touch with her, she's fine."

Passengers on NZ2 said flight crews gave them regular updates on the way back to New Zealand.

They were taken by bus to a hotel and were told they would have to stay in New Zealand for at least the next 48 hours.

Air New Zealand has cancelled flights following the closure of US airspace this morning.

The cancelled flights include:

* Flight NZ 15 from Los Angeles to Sydney (Boeing 747) remains on ground in LA

* Flight NZ 1 from London to Los Angeles (Boeing 747) remains on ground in London

* Flight NZ 57 from Los Angeles to Apia cancelled

* Flight NZ 14 from Sydney to Los Angeles

* Flight NZ 10 from Auckland to Honolulu

* Flight NZ 3 from Honolulu to Auckland

The diverted flights include:

* NZ 54 from Auckland to Rarotonga and Los Angeles (Boeing 767-300) remains on ground in Taihiti

* NZ 2 from Auckland to Los Angeles and London (Boeing 747-400) was turned back to Auckland this morning.