Southbound flights turned around due to weather

A pair of Air New Zealand flights into the South were turned around yesterday, one experiencing severe turbulence and another being struck by lightning.

Flight NZ681 between Wellington and Dunedin attempted to land twice yesterday morning but then turned back to the capital after experiencing severe turbulence.

Meanwhile, a second flight, NZ613, from Auckland to Queenstown, had to turn back after it was struck by lightning mid-flight.

One of the passengers on the Dunedin flight, Megan, said several people vomited as the flight neared Dunedin Airport.

Passenger Jenny said the crew had been reassuring and everyone had been rebooked on later flights before relanding in Wellington.

She praised the Air New Zealand crew, saying they were professional and personable despite the vomit.

"I remember handing a whole bunch of vomit bags over to the flight crew and I said, ‘Oh, what a job’ and they go, ‘Nah, it’s all part of it’ — like it’s not a big deal and that kind of reassurance that you get from your flight crew just really helps."

Air NZ chief operational integrity and safety officer Captain David Morgan said challenging weather across the country was affecting flights.

He confirmed flight NZ681 was unable to land due to strong winds.

Customer care and airport teams worked to book customers in Wellington and Dunedin on the next available services, he said.

New Plymouth 7-year-old Thijs was on the flight with his mother and said it had been a bit scary.

He said if their holiday was delayed they would at least get to see friends in Wellington.

Meanwhile, NZ613 was undergoing engineering checks, and passengers were transferred to another plane.

"Lightning strikes are not uncommon, and our pilots do train for this scenario," Cpt Morgan said.