An Air New Zealand flight has been diverted to Wellington after a mid-air incident involving a “disruptive passenger” who was removed from the plane. 

Air New Zealand chief operational integrity and safety officer Captain David Morgan said Flight NZ679 from Auckland to Dunedin was diverted to Wellington this morning. 

Morgan said there was an incident involving a disruptive passenger on board. 

“Incidents like this are distressing for our customers and people, and we have zero tolerance for any disruptive behaviour onboard our aircraft. 

“The aircraft was met by police in Wellington and is continuing on to Dunedin.” 

Police have been contacted for comment. 

Flight NZ679 has been diverted to Wellington. Photo / Flightracker 

Wellington Airport external relations manager Phil Rennie confirmed the flight had “briefly stopped” to offload a passenger. 

Another passenger on board the plane said a call was made through the cabin for people with security or restraint experience to help restrain a woman. 

She was taken off the flight in a wheelchair and the pilot apologised for “behaviour unacceptable on a flight”, the passenger said. 

The passenger said they had to circle three or four times to use up fuel before landing. 

Air New Zealand ground crew boarded the plane in Wellington to serve passengers water and be “extra friendly to people”, the passenger said. 

Georgina Campbell is a Wellington-based reporter who has a particular interest in local government, transport, and seismic issues. She joined the Herald in 2019 after working as a broadcast journalist.