Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Stuck travellers in face long delays and cancellations after fog blankets airport The region’s travellers are dealing with significant disruptions as fog closes in on the airport, creating of cancelled and delayed flights. in and out of Dunedin Airport for second day in a row. Plane diverted after fog closes Dunedin AirportThose who’ve been hoping to land in Dunedin during the day have been left waiting, as more than a dozen flights have faced hours of delays due to the return of the persistent fog.

were disrupted at the airport today due to thick fog which made it difficult for pilots to see, a spokeswoman for Dunedin Airport said. It caused disruptions for passengers, with one Auckland-bound flight forced to turn back and land in Invercargill, stranding those on board.

The flight, which was due to arrive in Dunedin at 8.50am only reached Dunedin at 12pm. 17pm following an earlier diversion to Invercargill where visibility was reduced by mist. This is yet another delay that has stranded passengers faced with long delays and a whole lot of inconvenience.

A number of other flights were also severely delayed, including NZ5756 which finally landed at 9. 14am — and just over three hours later than its original scheduled time of 6. 05am and another early flight, NZ5680 arrived at 9am, two hours late. Passengers whose days were supposed to start and end seamlessly instead found themselves stuck in a terminal or at their origin of departure, as if they were in a domino effect of destiny, all brought down by weather no one could do much about.

The fog has also disrupted flights at Christchurch Airport, affecting flights travelling to Dunedin. Departure and arrival times were both pushed back, stranding travellers at Dunedin as they feel the ripple effects. Business travelers are not the only ones affected by the upheaval, which is also leaving tourists who have scheduled their travel around the times in the lurch.

To both business travelers and tourists, these delays become an issue that affects more than just its timetable but also its obligations. Business meetings can be postponed or rescheduled, while vacation plans could be ruined.

But there are things we can do to reduce the fallout from interruptions like that. If you’re flying to Dunedin, you’ll want to know if your flight is on. “Just keep an eye on those latest flight status updates from your airline or on Dunedin Airport’s website, and make sure you’ve signed up for flight notifications.” Airlines may also send alerts via email, text or their apps, which can help you stay on top of any last-minute schedule changes.

If you are a visitor then please have alternative plans should you be running behind schedule. The airport has plenty of amenities, but you’ve got a few extra hours — so why not check out the city? Or consider the diversity of a visit to Dunedin, with a lively arts scene, captivating wildlife and beautiful vistas to keep you engaged while you wait.

For those travelers experiencing long delays, there are alternative routes to take and options to weigh. As much as Dunedin is a delightful place to visit, be aware that air travel can be suddenly disrupted by weather events.

If you can’t make your flight or have a lengthy layover, consider picking up a rental car and driving from nearby Invercargill or Christchurch (Dunedin is much closer to both locations). Roads between these centres of population are good and taking a road trip around the South Island can provide a different way to get from A to B. There are also shuttle services to help get you to Dunedin from Christchurch or Invercargill.

If you’ve got a business commitment in Dunedin, you could also explore the possibility of rescheduling any meetings or calls. The good news is that with so many other great resources available – including strong internet connectivity available in Dunedin – working remotely has become a lot easier. A lot of hotels and cafes offer great services to the business travelers to enable them change the time and schedule to accommodate their needs.

That is part of air travel, especially in areas such as Dunedin where fog isn’t uncommon. To plan for the unexpected, travelers should:

Always allow extra time for unexpected setbacks, such as when rushing to get to a business meeting or if your flight connection is especially tight.

Carry your charger, some snacks, water and access to important documents in case of delay.

For travelers, travel insurance can also cover extra costs if you are delayed, such as hotels and new flights.

Disruptions to travel such as these are an inconvenience but can be dealt with if one has patience and plans accordingly. Sending business travelers scrambling to reschedule meetings, while leisure travelers can spin around the extra time to take in Dunedin’s rich cultural and natural attractions.

The thick mist that has rolled on to the land at Dunedin Airport has, perhaps, been the source of some frustration, but it certainly has not dampened the city’s character. And with alternative routes directly from nearby airports, would-be travelers can still access the southernmost city in New Zealand. Most likely if you’re in hunt of business opportunity, or actual human culture, Dunedin will be there for you once the mists rise.

Business and leisure travelers are experiencing flight disruptions due to persistent fog leading to delays and diversions.

Stay updated with flight status, find alternative routes and check out the best things to do in Dunedin if you have extra time.

Other options: You might want to drive or shuttle from Invercargill or Christchurch if your flight is very delayed.