Air NZ passengers unable to reach Heathrow

An Air New Zealand flight left Heathrow Airport bound for New Zealand last night without 22 of its passengers, after four bombs exploded in central London, closing down all public transport.

Corporate communications manager David Jamieson said today that all 22 passengers had contacted the airline to say they could not get to the airport in time due to traffic problems.

None were hurt and all Air NZ staff were safe and accounted for, Mr Jamieson said.

He was unaware what nationality the delayed passengers were. There were no plans to suspend any flights.

"It's business as usual," he said.

The only problem for the airline was a lock-down around Heathrow Airport.

"At one point we were concerned that we were not able to get the crew out in time, but that situation was resolved pretty quickly."

Mr Jamieson said information was still "trickling in", but he had not heard of an influx of British tourists in New Zealand booking emergency trips home.

Mr Jamieson was not able to comment about any increased security for the airline.

- NZPA