• Emergency services were called to Auckland Airport after “mist” was spotted from an Air New Zealand flight. 
• The flight to Queenstown was stopped for inspection but expected to depart about 9am. 
• There were no disruptions to other flights, and both terminals continued operating as normal. 

Emergency services scrambled to Auckland Airport this morning after “mist” was spotted coming from an Air New Zealand plane as it readied to take off. 

The plane, bound for Queenstown, was forced to return to the gate for inspection after the dramatic incident. 

An Air New Zealand spokesperson said flight NZ613 from Auckland to Queenstown was stopped from taking off shortly after engine start-up. 

They said “mist” was observed coming from the plane. 

“As a precaution and in line with standard operating procedures, airport emergency services were called. 

“They have since been stood down.” 

The spokesperson said an engineering inspection had taken place and the flight was due to depart shortly after 9am. 

An Auckland Airport spokesperson said airport emergency services were on standby after the incident. 

They said there were no disruptions to other flight arrivals and departures and international and domestic terminals were operating as normal.