Wednesday 23 March

Christchurch International Airport will open for international flights at their revised scheduled times this afternoon. International check-in counters will be open starting from midday today. Please check with your airline to confirm check-in times and flight details. Some delays are expected.

“We are pleased to announce that our airport is now fully open. “said the Chief Executive of Christchurch Airport, Jim Boult. “Everything has been checked and cleared for safe operation. The runways are fine, the terminals are fine, and staff are on deck to help clear the backlog of passengers. In recognition of the extreme circumstances, all car parking is free today.”

The first international flight arrival is expected at 3.20pm.

Many international passengers have been stranded without their passports. NZ Customs is checking what can be done for these passengers, but it is expected that Australian residents with some form of photo identification will be allowed to travel on trans-Tasman flights.

Jim Boult said passengers should not come out to the airport unless they have a confirmed booking on an international flight.

Domestic flights have been operational since 8am. “We can confirm that Air New Zealand are putting on two additional 747 flights between Christchurch and Auckland, and Jetstar is putting on four additional flights for passengers travelling between Christchurch and Auckland and Wellington to clear the backlog,” noted Jim Boult. “The airport is extremely busy, but people are calm and all the airport and airline staff and border agencies are doing a sterling job under difficult circumstances. We thank everyone for their patience.”

ENDS

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