Wellington Travel Crisis: Severe Storm Forces Complete Flight Shutdown at Wellington Airport, Disrupting New Zealand Tourism

Published on May 2, 2025

Severe weather conditions, characterized by relentless rainfall and fierce gale-force winds, have wreaked havoc across New Zealand, forcing the complete suspension of flight operations at Wellington International Airport (WLG). The unprecedented disruption has had widespread impacts on travel, tourism, and local communities, with authorities describing it as the most intense storm to affect the country in over a decade.

Since early Thursday morning (May 2, 2025), Wellington Airport ceased operations entirely, leaving thousands of passengers stranded. Air New Zealand (NZ) and Jetstar Airways (JQ), the two primary airlines serving the region, collectively canceled dozens of flights, severely disrupting domestic and international itineraries. Christchurch Airport (CHC) experienced knock-on disruptions, reporting at least twelve flight cancellations directly related to the turmoil at Wellington.

Auckland Airport (AKL), New Zealand’s largest air travel hub, remained operational but urged travelers to remain cautious and stay informed about potential sudden changes due to the highly volatile weather conditions.

Unprecedented Disruption at Wellington Airport (WLG)

Air New Zealand’s Chief Operating Officer, Alex Marren, announced the airline’s cancellation of almost all inbound and outbound flights at Wellington Airport until midday, citing extremely hazardous wind conditions. Marren underscored the importance of passenger safety and proactively advised travelers to consistently monitor flight statuses via Air New Zealand’s mobile app or official website.

“Passengers impacted by these disruptions should update their contact details through our systems to receive timely notifications,” Marren advised. He also emphasized flexible rebooking options through the airline’s user-friendly ‘Manage My Booking’ online platform, which allows affected travelers to easily reschedule flights without additional hassle.

Jetstar Airways echoed similar sentiments regarding passenger safety, canceling eight scheduled flights in the morning, while one inbound flight (JQ251) was diverted to an alternate airport. A Jetstar spokesperson highlighted the continuous assessment of weather conditions, reaffirming that passenger safety remains their top priority.

Christchurch Airport, another critical travel hub, also bore significant disruptions as a consequence of Wellington’s cancellations. Several flights to and from Christchurch were directly impacted, further complicating travel arrangements for tourists and residents alike.

Widespread Regional Impacts and Critical Weather Warnings

The storm system, marked by sustained torrential rains and powerful wind gusts exceeding gale-force strength, has prompted the New Zealand MetService to issue at least 24 active severe weather warnings and advisories. Affected areas encompass significant parts of the country’s East Coast, including Gisborne, Eastern Bay of Plenty, Kaikōura, Christchurch, Banks Peninsula, and Canterbury.

MetService meteorologists particularly highlighted concerns over snowfalls affecting alpine passes, including Porters Pass, Arthurs Pass, Lindis Pass, and Lewis Pass. These snowfall events have compounded travel difficulties, creating hazardous conditions for road transport and prompting authorities to advise against all but essential journeys through these mountainous regions.

Evacuations and Flooding Risks in Canterbury Region

In Canterbury, flooding risks escalated significantly, prompting urgent evacuation advisories from local councils. The Selwyn District Council urged residents of Selwyn Huts to self-evacuate amid rising floodwaters from the swollen Selwyn River. Emergency officials stressed the need for swift action, cautioning that conditions could deteriorate rapidly, leaving little time for residents to safely evacuate later.

Additionally, Christchurch City Council voiced serious concerns about the stormwater drainage system reaching critical capacity levels. Authorities warned that excessive runoff from prolonged heavy rain could cause system overloads, potentially leading to temporary service outages impacting local sanitation services. Residents were advised to immediately report any overflow or property damage resulting from the severe weather conditions.

Major Road Closures in Christchurch Affect Mobility

As floodwaters rose steadily in parts of South Christchurch, city officials announced multiple road closures to safeguard public safety and mitigate potential damage. Notable closures included critical thoroughfares such as Hunter Terrace, Riverlaw Terrace, Clarendon Terrace, Richardson Terrace, and Eastern Terrace. These closures further compounded transportation challenges for both residents and visitors, particularly in flood-prone residential neighborhoods.

Local authorities issued strong cautions to motorists, urging them to refrain from traveling on flooded or partially flooded roads, which posed significant dangers, including hidden debris, washouts, or sudden water level increases.

Impacts on New Zealand’s Tourism Sector

The extensive flight disruptions and severe weather events have dealt a significant blow to New Zealand’s tourism industry, which relies heavily on air travel for visitor arrivals and departures. Popular tourist destinations such as Christchurch, Wellington, and Gisborne faced severe travel restrictions, causing significant disruptions to tourism plans. International tourists, already facing limited flexibility due to tight travel schedules, expressed frustration over delays, cancellations, and limited options for accommodation during this unforeseen weather crisis.

Tourism operators in Wellington and Christchurch reported an immediate impact, with hotels experiencing last-minute cancellations and disruptions to bookings. Hospitality providers in areas like Gisborne, Kaikōura, and Banks Peninsula expressed concerns about lost revenue opportunities at the onset of what traditionally marks the beginning of a busy tourist season.

Tourism authorities and local businesses urged travelers currently in New Zealand to maintain flexibility in their travel plans, emphasizing the need for patience and understanding as emergency services and travel operators manage the ongoing crisis.

Safety Advice and Recommendations for Travelers

Emergency authorities reiterated strong recommendations for residents and travelers to closely follow official guidelines, weather advisories, and evacuation orders. Tourists in affected regions were advised to remain indoors where possible, avoid non-essential travel, and frequently check official updates provided by local councils, airlines, and emergency response agencies.

Airlines, including Air New Zealand and Jetstar, continued regular communications to passengers via their apps, websites, and direct messages, ensuring updated, accurate information on flight statuses and rebooking opportunities. Passengers with upcoming flights were advised to remain proactive in monitoring their airlines’ digital platforms.

Future Outlook and Continued Advisories

The severe weather conditions affecting New Zealand are expected to persist until at least Friday evening, according to meteorologists. Ongoing disruptions and travel advisories will likely continue, requiring sustained vigilance from travelers and residents alike.

Local governments and tourism agencies remain in close communication, coordinating response efforts to minimize disruptions and expedite recovery once conditions stabilize. Authorities assured the public of their readiness to respond rapidly to changing conditions, urging everyone to prioritize personal safety and adhere strictly to emergency guidelines and updates.

Travelers should stay tuned to trusted news sources like Aviation A2Z and official social media channels for continuous updates on the evolving situation.