Air NZ tight-lipped on plane grounding

Photo / File

An engine issue grounded a Christchurch-bound flight at Dunedin International Airport yesterday, but Air New Zealand has kept tight lipped about the problems.

Flight NZ8080 was cancelled after ''unforeseen engineering requirements'' affected the Bombardier Dash 8 before boarding.

The Otago Daily Times understands passengers were informed shortly before boarding time that the 7.15am flight was delayed and later told it was cancelled.

Passengers were offered a 9am shuttle to Christchurch, the ODT understands.

Attempts to find out what caused the cancellation were met with terse responses from Air New Zealand.

The flight was cancelled due to ''unforeseen engineering requirements'', an emailed statement from Air New Zealand said.

''Affected customers have been re-accommodated on alternate services and by road transport.

''A return service between Invercargill and Christchurch was also cancelled as a result of this.''

The ''issue'' was now resolved and the aircraft returned to normal service, a subsequent response from Air New Zealand said in response to further queries.

Subsequent emails and phone messages to Air New Zealand were left unanswered yesterday.

Despite being asked, Air New Zealand did not explain what the unforeseen engineering requirements were.

A Bombardier Dash 8 can contain between 39 and 78 seats.