Qantas flight misses Queenstown Airport landing curfew

Delays, bad weather and a night time airport curfew all combined yesterday, resulting in a Qantas flight having to turn back to Sydney half-way over the Tasman Sea.

An airline spokesperson said the Queenstown-bound flight was turned around after its departure was delayed by about 90 minutes. 

“The flight was delayed due to an extended taxi time in Sydney as a result of poor weather and an earlier runway closure.

“Our operations team explored all options including diverting to Christchurch but due to expected adverse weather in Christchurch, the decision was made to return to Sydney.

“Customers have been reaccommodated on alternative flights this morning.”

The flight was originally scheduled to land at 9.05pm, before Queenstown Airport’s 10pm shut down time.

A spokesperson for Queenstown Airport says airline partners “are well aware” of the airports operating requirements and its 10pm curfew.

“Queenstown Airport’s hours of operation under the Aerodrome Purposes Designation in the Queenstown Lakes District Plan are 6am to 10pm, although we do not allow scheduled flights before 7am. 

“Other than in an emergency, no aircraft operations are allowed outside these hours. 

“Our airline partners are well aware of the operating requirements here. “Many airports around the world, especially those near residential areas, have a similar curfew.”

Main image (Flight Radar): The Qantas flight shown returning to Sydney yesterday after missing a 10pm curfew to land at Queenstown Airport.