An Air New Zealand flight from Auckland to Dunedin was canceled on 4 January 2025, after a bomb threat was received. The flight, carrying 140 passengers, was scheduled to depart at 5:40 PM but returned to the gate before takeoff.
The threat was made via a phone call, prompting security officials to evacuate the aircraft and conduct a thorough search.
Air New Zealand NZ677 Auckland-Dunedin
Air New Zealand flight NZ677, operated by an Airbus A320-200 registered ZK-OJS, was preparing for departure from Auckland International Airport (AKL).
The flight was to be a regular scheduled service to Dunedin Airport (DUD) on New Zealand’s South Island. The regional flight was of approximately two hours flight time. it had been scheduled to depart from Auckland at 1655 local time on 4 January.
Following advice of the bomb threat, the aircraft was disembarked and passengers were relocated to a secure holding area while the aircraft was searched.
No explosives were found, and the flight was subsequently canceled. Passengers were rebooked on later flights or offered alternative travel arrangements.
Air New Zealand Chief Operational Integrity and Safety Officer David Morgan gave comment on the security incident. He stated that the safety of passengers and crew is the airline’s top priority. Morgan emphasized that the decision to cancel the flight was made in accordance with standard security protocols.
Previous Bomb Threat
A bomb threat against an Air New Zealand flight was previously reported in October 2024. On 19 October 2024, an Air New Zealand flight from Wellington to Sydney landed safely after a bomb threat was reported.
In that instance, Air New Zealand flight NZ247 was operated by an Airbus A320neo registered ZK-NHD. It had been enroute to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) when the bomb threat was reported.
Emergency services met the aircraft, but no explosives were found. The trans-Tasman return flight to Wellington was canceled as a precaution.
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