Holding pattern

The condensation trail from Flight NZ671 stands out against a blue Dunedin sky yesterday morning.

The Air New Zealand flight from Auckland to Dunedin had people scratching their heads after it flew in a holding pattern above the coast as it waited for clearance to land at Dunedin Airport.

The plane left condensation trails in the sky as it completed several circuits above Palmerston and Oamaru.

The flight was scheduled to arrive at Dunedin at 8.55am but was delayed until about 10.10am.

Dunedin Airport marketing manager Chris Snow said fog at the airport had caused the delay.

An earlier flight from Christchurch had been cancelled because of the fog.