Flights have been cancelled at Queenstown Airport tonight due to air traffic control staff calling in sick.
In a statement, Airways New Zealand said six flights were being rescheduled and airlines were making other arrangements for passengers.
''Airways regrets that due to unforeseen staff sickness we do not have sufficient air traffic control cover to safely operate the Queenstown tower this evening.
'' As a result, the air traffic control service provided to Queenstown Airport will be unavailable from 7.30pm – 1 hour and 50 minutes earlier than scheduled.''
Airways NZ said it had worked through "all options'' to provide cover, but could not find a "suitable and safe solution''.
''We are continuing to work closely with Queenstown Airport, airlines and other affected customers. Queenstown Airport terminal will remain open as normal until 10pm.''
The control tower will re-open tomorrow at 6.10am as scheduled, Airways said.
"Airways apologises to all affected travellers for the disruption."
