Air New Zealand cancelled multiple flights between Auckland and Rarotonga this week due to a wheel defect on one aircraft and a runway closure in Auckland.

According to the airline, due to a temporary runway closure at Auckland International Airport on Thursday night (Cook Islands time), it had to cancel NZ948 Auckland to Rarotonga and the return NZ947 Rarotonga to Auckland services due to arrive and depart early Friday morning.

Captain David Morgan, the airline’s chief operational integrity and safety officer, said: “This was due to the aircraft scheduled to operate these services, which was on arrival into Auckland at the time of the runway closure, having to divert to Wellington.”

“All affected customers have been re-accommodated on alternative services.”

On Tuesday, the Dreamliner service from Auckland landed at Rarotonga International Airport at 2.32pm and was scheduled to depart as NZ945 at 4pm. However, the return flight was cancelled after experiencing a defect with one of the wheels of the aircraft.

While the aircraft taxied to the terminal and passengers disembarked as normal, the aircraft required assessment before it could re-enter service, the airline said on Wednesday.

Yesterday, Morgan told the newspaper: “Following the engineering issue our aircraft experienced following its arrival into Rarotonga on Tuesday 6 August local time, a team of engineers have travelled up to Rarotonga from Auckland. They are currently carrying out the required repairs and are on track to have these completed by tomorrow, Saturday 10 August local time.”

“While we know these disruptions will be frustrating, safety is always our top priority, and we thank customers for their patience.”