Families and friends share emotionally-charged reunions at airports across New Zealand. Video / Dean Purcell
Families and friends are sharing emotionally charged reunions at airports across New Zealand this morning as packed planes bring those separated by Covid-19 restrictions together in time for Christmas.
Auckland mum Valerie von Geldern was overjoyed to see her teenage son Gabe Melrose for the first time since leaving home to study at Victoria University.
"Oh my gosh it's everything," she said. "It's a bit overwhelming to be honest watching everyone coming through."
She said she had missed him terribly.
"It's his first year at uni and you can't help it."
The Victoria University student said while he was caught out by the lockdown he hadn't planned to return home until the end of the tertiary year.
"It's nice to be back but it's not too big of a deal," he laughed.
'I didn't expect to be emotional'
Another happy mum was Terry Kraettli, who was at Auckland Airport early this morning to welcome home her daughter, Alisha, and son-in-law Guy Hasler.
Alisha Hasler revealed she and her husband - whose family is also from Auckland - had moved to Christchurch in July when the lockdown happened.
"It was really hard to be separated at that time."
An emotional Terry Kraettli welcomes Alisha Kraettli at Auckland Airport this morning. Photo / Dean Purcell
She said seeing her mum waiting for them at the arrival gate just brought everything back.
"I didn't expect to be emotional, but it just all came out when I saw mum."
Her father and brother were also at the airport, but were "hiding" from them, she laughed.
Terry Kraettli reacts as she welcomes daughter Alisha and son-in-law Guy Hasler back home. Photo / Dean Purcell
Asked whether they had thought about surprising their families, she said they had thought about it, but decided to tell them as soon as their flights were booked to give everyone something to look forward to.
"As soon as [Prime Minister] Jacinda Ardern said the 15th, we were on the Air New Zealand site looking for the earliest flight up."
They will spend Christmas in Auckland with their families before heading back home to Christchurch around the end of February.
"We've got lots to catch up on."
Auckland Airport is abuzz with activity not seen for the past four months, as residents of our largest city are once again allowed to travel around the country.
It seems this is the way people are escaping the city en masse rather than hitting the roads, which are reported to be mostly clear and with traffic free-flowing.
Authorities at Auckland Airport's domestic terminal are telling passengers to arrive at least an hour earlier to avoid any delays or congestion inside and outside the airport.
Passengers are also being encouraged to check in online before arriving to avoid any delays.
General Manager Operations at Auckland Airport Anna Cassels-Brown said people began arriving in the terminal just after 5am.
"The place is buzzing, and all our staff are really excited that it has gone off so well. Even though they are wearing masks you can see the smiles – they're just so happy to be looking after more customers once again."
Yesterday, just over 1200 people went through the terminal. Today, up to 20,000 travellers will be there at some point.
Favourite holiday spots revealed
With Auckland's borders officially opening up today, airports around the country are also experiencing a buzz of activity as they welcome Aucklanders into their respective towns and regions once again.
The scene at Auckland Airport this morning, as Aucklanders are allowed to travel again. Photo / Radio NZ
Wellington looks to be the favourite spot for those heading out of the city today, with Air New Zealand reporting that 1800 passengers had booked a flight to the capital.
Christchurch is a close second favourite, with 1700 customers due to head to the Garden City from Auckland today.
Queenstown is set to welcome more than 1200 travellers from the City of Sails.
A spokeswoman for the Wellington Airport said there are 17,900 seats scheduled at the airport and 17 return flights to Auckland.
There is, however, an ongoing issue with Airways' instrument landing system, which may disrupt turboprop flights.
"At this stage, all jet planes are operating as scheduled," she said.
"So far, four regional flights have been cancelled this morning. The total number of disrupted flights today will depend on how quickly weather conditions improve, and when the Airways issue is resolved."
Traveller numbers will are set to build over the coming week and peak on Thursday December 23, just in time for Christmas.
Over 27,000 people are expected to travel in and out of Auckland Airport's domestic terminals.
"On our busiest days heading into Christmas before the pandemic we would have consistently had around 30,000 people through each day, so we know the terminal can handle the current volumes," Cassels-Brown said.
Cassels-Brown's said travellers over the coming weeks should expect a few differences to the air travel experience.
"One is that you have to wear a mask in the terminal as well as during your flight. I was in the terminal earlier today and didn't see a single customer or worker not wearing a mask, which shows just how great we Aucklanders are at doing the right thing.
"The second piece of advice is to make sure you are at the terminal a good hour before your flight for the extra checks on vaccine passes or the negative Covid test which will be done during airline check-in and could create some delay.
"There is a little bit of extra stuff that is different, so just be ready for it, and I'm confident it will go smoothly for you and all of us," she said.
