Shocking flooding in Auckland forces 200 Qantas passengers trapped overnight aboard QF148
Shocking floods in Auckland force 200 Qantas passengers to spend the night aboard plane after water flooded the airport
- About 200 passengers had to stay on board overnight
- Qantas flight QF148 was canceled after passengers boarded
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About 200 passengers scheduled to fly to Sydney were forced to remain on board the plane overnight as floodwaters flooded the Auckland airport tarmac.
A state of emergency has been declared for the New Zealand city as floods have engulfed homes and businesses after a downpour.
Qantas flight QF148 was canceled after passengers were already on board, forcing them to sit at the gate for several hours.
The Qantas check-in area at Auckland airport last night as about 20 passengers were forced to spend the night aboard a canceled flight
Passengers were served meals and drinks while they waited the night on the plane.
They were also given time to stretch their legs in the aerobridge connecting the plane to the terminal before finally being able to return to the terminal around 2am.
Passenger Mark Andrews called Radio New Zealand to say the ‘vibes’ on the plane were good despite the discomfort.
Flood water seen in the passenger terminal at Auckland airport last night
Lights were dimmed so passengers could sleep and business class passengers were offered glasses of champagne, he reported.
He said the crew was “concerned” that only half of the plane’s toilets were working.
The passengers were reportedly let back into the terminal around 1:45 a.m.
Auckland Airport was temporarily closed as flooding flooded check-in areas and passengers waded through ankle-deep water.
NCA Newswire has contacted Qantas and Auckland Airport for comment.
More to come.