Flights cleared for take-off as thick fog that disrupted morning travel lifts

Thick fog is blanketing Christchurch this morning disrupting travel in and out of the city. Photo / NZTA

Fog has finally cleared at Christchurch Airport and delayed flights in and out of the Garden City are starting to take to the air.

Flights were cancelled and delayed for much of the morning as thick fog rolled in across the city.

At least a dozen domestic flights were affected, including the main routes to Wellington and Auckland, after thick fog descended on the city.

One international flight was diverted to the North Island awaiting the fog to lift.

Just after 11.15am the skies cleared and check-in for flights started.

Airport spokeswoman Yvonne Densem said airlines were now working to clear the backlog and updating their flight timetables. Travellers were advised to check that information.

This morning a Singapore Airlines flight landed at the Ohakea Air Force base near Palmerston North after it was diverted hundreds of kilometres away from the fog-affected airport.

Spotted at #BaseOhakea, an unusual visitor this morning. A @SingaporeAir B777 flight, diverted to our runway due to fog in Chch. pic.twitter.com/VF7cLqLeiO

— Royal NZ Air Force (@NZAirForce) June 20, 2017

It was due to arrive back in Christchurch shortly.

Tom Miles, 23, of Christchurch was heading for Bali with his family but has missed his connection this morning.

Foggy dawn breaks in Christchurch this morning. Picture / Ingrid Morrison

"I've been looking forward to Bali for three months - I'm pretty gutted,'' he said as he waited in a queue for another flight.

Miles said he'd checked the temperature in Bali today and it was 26C.

Tom Miles is one of the travellers disrupted by the fog in Christchurch this morning. Picture / Grant Bradley

Most of the rest of his extended family were going for 10 days, but he was there for just five and now was uncertain about when he'd get there.

"It is what it is,'' he said.

The number of cancellations grew as Jetstar also canned flights. Scores of disappointed passengers queued to rebook.

⚠️ ☁️ Fog in Christchurch is causing disruption to some of our flights this morning. Get updates here: https://t.co/cqJ6ApMP4q pic.twitter.com/1NAXriSQdl

— Air New Zealand✈️ (@FlyAirNZ) June 20, 2017

Air New Zealand's flight information showed at least 25 flights were delayed and five cancelled.

Herald aviation reporter Grant Bradley was stranded at the terminal and said all passengers were being told to queue to rebook for later departures.

Passengers disrupted by fog queuing at Christchurch Airport this morning. Picture / Grant Bradley

People were advised to check with their airline for latest flight information.

The fog moved into Christchurch city and drivers were warned to turn on their headlights, not just parking lights.

Fog around the city this morning please turn on your headlights not your parking lights and allow generous following distance. ^JP pic.twitter.com/xqGhHNARRa

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Canterbury & West Coast (@WakaKotahiCWC) June 20, 2017