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2nd LD: Radar fault grounds flights across New Zealand

Xinhua, June 23, 2015 Adjust font size:

Flights all around New Zealand were grounded for more than an hour Tuesday after a nationwide radar failure.

Airways New Zealand, which monitors New Zealand airspace, said the failure occurred at 14:48 local time Tuesday (0248 GMT).

"We are holding all aircraft on the ground, however those in the air will be cleared to land," it said in a statement.

It apologized for the inconvenience caused by the problem.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges said Civil Aviation Authority and Airways New Zealand had told him the cause of the failure was not yet known, but aviation safety was not affected.

"Air traffic control is still able to communicate with any incoming planes via radio contact. I have been assured that there is absolutely no compromise to the safety of passengers of planes and I will be receiving regular updates," Bridges said.

Auckland Airport, the country's main international gateway, issued a statement just after 16:00, saying the problem was still affecting departing flights, "however some flights are now able to depart."

It advised passengers to contact their airlines for flight information. Endi