Auckland (The NZ Today)
Air New Zealand is taking precautionary measures on Fiji flights after a fuel contamination issue at Nadi International Airport forced airlines to adjust operations.
The airline confirmed it has been carrying additional fuel on some services, cancelling one flight and upgrading two others to larger aircraft to manage the situation.
Air New Zealand said affected passengers were moved to alternative flights departing the same day, and the airline was working to reduce disruption.
The issue has also affected other carriers operating through Fiji, with airlines including Qantas and Virgin Australia reportedly making changes to ensure aircraft have enough fuel for return journeys.
Reports from Australia said some flights were required to make fuel stops at airports in New Caledonia and Vanuatu due to restrictions on using fuel supplied at Fiji.
The contamination is believed to involve a batch of aviation fuel stored at the airport, although the exact cause has not been confirmed by Fiji Airports.
Fiji Airports said Nadi International Airport remains open and operational, with safety procedures in place while the situation is monitored.
Airlines have been advised that fuel restrictions could continue for some time while authorities work to resolve the issue.
Source: RNZ and ABC reporting, with statements from Air New Zealand and Fiji Airports.
