Radar failure in New Zealand grounds all flights

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — All of New Zealand's international and domestic flights were grounded Tuesday after authorities reported that the nationwide radar system had failed.

Airways New Zealand, which provides navigational services, wrote on Twitter that it experienced a radar failure at 2:48 p.m. (0248 GMT)

Transport Minister Simon Bridges said all departures had been suspended while aircraft aloft were being landed in a staggered fashion, with air traffic control able to communicate with the planes via radio contact. He said there was no compromise to the safety of passengers or the planes.

Air New Zealand spokeswoman Marie Hosking said at 4 p.m. local time that all flights remained grounded.

She said that when flights resumed, they would begin in a staggered way with international flights given priority, followed by larger domestic jet flights.


-- (c) Associated Press 2015-06-23

Could be a result of the large geomagnetic storm now happening on Earth. The closer to the poles the more affected are communications, radar and electric grids.

Must have been very stimulating for the air traffic controllers . . . Nice to know they are up to that sort of failure. Wonder how we'd go here?

Just goes to show that not all problems emanate out of Thailand.