Queenstown Airport: Incident at Queenstown Airport 15 Aug 2017 -Update 1

The airport's emergency response plan was immediately activated and Rescue Fire service is currently attending at the scene and the ambulance is on its way.

Details of the operator are not available at this time.

Incident at Queenstown Airport 15 Aug 2017 -Update 2

Flights remain on hold in and out of Queenstown Airport following a light aircraft crash on take-off at 8:50am.

Four passengers were on board the Cessna 177b, including the pilot, and no injuries have been reported. They have been taken to hospital for further observation.

Inbound flights have been diverted while the Police undertake an assessment of the scene and the aircraft is removed from the airfield.

The airport's Rescue Fire service remains with the aircraft to monitor the situation.

The airport's Emergency Operations Centre has been activated and the team is working closely with all agencies involved to manage the response, flight delays and any impacts on the airfield.

The Civil Aviation Authority has been notified and further communications about the incident will come from New Zealand Police, as the emergency response lead agency.

Queenstown Airport will continue to issue airport status updates until the airfield reopens.

Incident at Queenstown Airport 15 Aug 2017 -Update 3

Flights have now resumed at Queenstown Airport after the runway was closed this morning following a light aircraft which crashed on take-off at 8:50am.

One passenger was taken to hospital with a suspected broken ankle but has since been discharged.

The aircraft was removed from the airfield and the runway was inspected prior to operations recommencing at 10:50am.

Ten flights were affected this morning and the airlines are working to reschedule these services.

Further communications about the incident and investigation will come from the Civil Aviation Authority.