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Bad weather, bird strike, grounds Dunedin flights

Dunedin International Airport has been hit with a double whammy this morning, with a bird strike and bad weather combining to halt operations.

The 6.50am Air New Zealand Dunedin to Wellington flight was taking off when it struck a flock of seagulls, airport manager John McCall said.

The take-off was aborted and the aircraft taxied safely back to the terminal. No passengers were injured.

Mr McCall said there was no visible damage but flight engineers would have to inspect the 737-300 before it could be cleared to fly again.

The bad weather has also played havoc with flights this morning.

Only one flight has left this morning and all incoming flights have been cancelled, with some diverted to Christchurch.

Mr McCall said strong southeasterly winds were not allowing water from this morning’s heavy rain to disperse from the runway, making it unsafe.

“While the strong southeasterly winds and rain prevail the situation will remain,” he said.

– nzherald.co.nz

Comments

aaron on 23/02/2012 4:36am

it is great to have some rain, hopefully will keep the dust down, promote some growth and finally put some water in the tanks

MJ on 23/02/2012 12:53am

Its 30 deg according to my thermometer in the shade here in Canterbury – wind just starting to pick up a little. I have kids sick with colds, running temperatures – couldn’t some of the cold rainy weather head our way – please?

Guest on 22/02/2012 11:07pm

The story was a bit old by the time it was posted with flights resumed by the time it was published

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