Wellington Airport reopens as fog lifts

Fog lifted in the capital late this morning enabling aircraft to land at Wellington airport.

An airport spokesman said airline check-in counters were now open and the backlog of passengers would be worked through this afternoon.

Fog had created havoc in Wellington this morning, with flights cancelled at the airport and a number of complaints about the over use of fog horns on the harbour.

By midday, most flights had been cancelled at Wellington International Airport, severely disrupting hundreds of travellers' plans.

Wellington Harbourmaster Mike Pryce said ferries and other shipping continued to operate, but some container ships delayed berthing because the wharf could not be seen.

He said complaints had been registered about the noise of ships' whistles and sirens sounding in the fog as they crossed the harbour.

"Although it is appreciated that this can be annoying to waterfront/city residents, it is an international safety requirement," he said.

- NZPA