Plane turns back over a ‘haze’ in cabin

A ‘haze’ in the cabin of a plane heading from New Plymouth to Auckland saw the flight turned around minutes after take off.

The plane left about 8.30pm on Wednesday but about five minutes into the journey the pilot made a decision to return to the terminal, airport chief executive Wayne Wootton said.

‘‘It took off and they had an issue which the pilot decided they needed to turn back for.’’

An Air New Zealand spokesperson said yesterday the aircraft landed safely in New Plymouth and was being inspected by engineers.

‘‘Flight NZ8058 from New Plymouth to Auckland returned to New Plymouth (on Wednesday) after a haze was detected in the cabin.

‘‘As there was no accommodation available in New Plymouth customers were offered road transport to Palmerston North where they could be accommodated for the night and then flown to Auckland today (Thursday).

‘‘Bussing the customers to Auckland last night was not an option as Air New Zealand’s own safety standards do not allow passengers to be transported by road if they would arrive at their destination after midnight.’’

Taranaki man, Karl Turner said he arranged for a bus to get about 30 passengers to Auckland Airport, arriving at 4.30am.

He said as far as he was aware no passengers went to Palmerston North.

Air New Zealand said it would pick up the cost of the bus Turner organised as a gesture of goodwill.

New Plymouth woman Jenny McLennan’s son and girlfriend were on the flight.

‘‘I think that was quite scary for them,’’ McLennan said.

‘‘Apparently the smoke alarms went off and a couple of passengers did smell smoke.’’

Senior station officer Nick Burke, Fire and Emergency New Plymouth, confirmed the brigade was called to the airport but said they were immediately stood down after the plane returned safely.