Flights have resumed at Dunedin International Airport after a bird strike and bad weather combined to halt operations this morning.
Wind and rain played havoc with the schedule, with only one early flight leaving and incoming flights diverted to Christchurch.
Six flights were cancelled.
Flights resumed late morning with the 10.45am flight from Auckland landing at 11.05am.
Passengers are still experiencing delays this evening. For latest fight information click here
Airport manager John McCall said strong southeasterly winds were not allowing water from this morning's heavy rain to disperse from the runway, making it unsafe.
Earlier, the 6.50am Air New Zealand Dunedin to Wellington flight was taking off when it struck a flock of seagulls, Mr McCall said.
The take-off was aborted and the aircraft taxied safely back to the terminal. No passengers were injured.
Mr MCall said there was no visible damage but flight engineers would have to inspect the 737-300 before it could be cleared to fly again.
