Drone causes delays, diversion of 20 flights

A drone being flown near Auckland Airport forced about 20 flights to delay their landings, with one diverting to another airport.

Airways New Zealand said the pilot of a Q300 aircraft approaching Auckland airport alerted air traffic control to the presence of the drone at 11.45am yesterday.

Air traffic controllers reported the event to police and halted aircraft operations for 30 minutes. During this time, about 20 planes circled the airport until they received clearance to land.

One plane, NZ92 from Japan, chose to divert to RNZAF Base Ohakea, 22km west of Palmerston North, to refuel.

Drones regularly cause nuisance around airports.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority, there had been a least 37 reported incidents since 2012 in which a drone or remotely piloted aircraft system got too close or interfered with Auckland Airport controlled airspace.

Of those, two were referred to the regulatory enforcement unit of the CAA, with one resulting in a warning letter.

Air New Zealand chief operations integrity and standards officer Captain David Morgan said drone use around airports was a major cause for concern.

‘‘Drones being used recklessly is putting the safety of the travelling public at risk.

He welcomed an investigation into the incident.