Sick worker stops jets landing at Dunedin Airport

Dunedin International Airport was back to normal this morning after jet flights to and from the city were stopped last night after an air traffic controller called in sick.

Six controllers work at the airport on sole-charge shifts and the absence meant jet flights between 7.40 last night and 6.30am today were unable to land or take off, The Otago Daily Times reported.

Two flights from Wellington and Auckland, carrying 237 passengers and due to land at 8.15pm and 9pm respectively, were redirected to Invercargill, from where passengers were transported to Dunedin by bus.

Another 58 passengers travelling to Christchurch were transferred from a 737 to a turbo-prop ATR-72, as smaller planes were able to fly to airports without controllers.

Chief executive John McCall said the same situation would never be allowed to develop in Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch.

"It's another case where Dunedin gets caught on the end."

- NZPA