Shocking Auckland flooding forces 200 Qantas passengers to spend the night stuck on board the plane after water inundated the airport
- About 200 passengers forced to stay on board overnight
- Qantas flight QF148 was cancelled after passengers had boarded
About 200 passengers due to fly to Sydney were forced to stay on-board the plane overnight while floods inundated the tarmac of Auckland airport.
A state of emergency has been issued for the New Zealand city as floodwaters have overwhelmed homes and businesses following a downpour of rain.
Qantas flight QF148 was cancelled after passengers had already boarded forcing them to sit at the gate for several hours.
The Qantas check in area at Auckland airport last night, as about 20 passengers were forced to spend the night on board a cancelled flight
Passengers were served meals and drinks while they waited out the night on the plane.
They were also allowed time to stretch their legs in the aerobridge connecting the plane to the terminal before finally being able to return to the terminal about 2am.
Passenger Mark Andrews called in to Radio New Zealand to say the ‘vibes’ on the plane were good despite the inconvenience.
Floodwater seen throughout the passenger terminal at Auckland airport last night
The lights were turned off so passengers could sleep and business class passengers were offered glasses of champagne, he reported.
He said the crew ‘were worried’ about the fact that only half of the plane’s toilets were working.
The passengers were reportedly let back into the terminal about 1.45am.
Auckland Airport was temporarily closed as floods inundated the check-in areas and passengers waded through ankle deep water.
NCA Newswire has contacted Qantas and Auckland Airport for comment.
More to come.
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