A fire at Wellington Airport on Friday evening forced evacuations and flight diversions. The blaze, which started in the southwest terminal, was extinguished with no reported injuries. The airport expects to be open as usual Saturday, but passengers are advised to check with airlines for potential disruptions.
The incident highlights the operational risks faced by airports and the potential for disruption to travel networks, impacting airlines and passengers.
A fire broke out at Wellington Airport in New Zealand on Friday evening, prompting evacuations and flight diversions. Fire and Emergency New Zealand, alongside the airport's fire brigade, responded to the blaze, which was reported to have started around 7:15 p.m. local time. The incident escalated to a third alarm, with multiple fire engines, ladder trucks, and command units deployed. The southwest pier and main terminal building were evacuated as a precaution, though no injuries were reported. Flights into Wellington were temporarily diverted, and Air New Zealand stated its flights in and out of the airport were being held. The fire was eventually extinguished, and the airport indicated it would be open as usual the following day, though passengers were advised to check with airlines for potential ongoing disruptions.