18 NZ flights cancelled after fuel pipeline bursts

Wellington

AIRLINES are cancelling flights in New Zealand and adding stops for long-haul services after a pipeline bringing jet fuel to Auckland airport was closed due to a leak.

Air New Zealand estimated 2,000 customers a day will be affected by the disruption over the next few days as it has just 30 per cent of normal fuel volumes available to it. The airline said on Monday it has cancelled 18 flights so far and further schedule changes will be necessary. Qantas Airways has cancelled some flights within New Zealand and to Australia as it is also forced to ration fuel.