Three Air New Zealand flights to Sydney were turned back this morning due to dust storms over New South Wales.
Three flights from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch had to return after setting off between 7am and 8am today, Air NZ spokesman Mark Street told NZPA.
The Christchurch and Auckland flights returned home, while the Wellington flight diverted to Auckland.
"All flights have returned and the operations team are waiting for guidance from air traffic control in Sydney about when conditions are expected to improve.
"Passengers are waiting in the airport for the go-ahead." Large areas of New South Wales and Sydney are experiencing severe winds and unseasonably warm temperatures.
Many parts are shrouded in dust and international flights have been diverted to Brisbane and Melbourne.
