An inbound international flight from Auckland to Rarotonga has been forced to turn around due to technical difficulties.

While Air New Zealand has provided limited details at this stage, it is understood flight NZ 946 was half way to Rarotonga on Thursday (Cooks time) when it made a u-turn bound for Auckland. 

In a written statement, an Air NZ spokesperson said: “NZ946 from Auckland to Rarotonga returned to Auckland due to an issue with the air conditioning.”

“This will also mean the return service, NZ945 from Rarotonga to Auckland won’t be able to operate.

“I will come back to you with further details and answers to your questions as soon as I can.”

Cook Islands News asked the airline to confirm what time and how far into the flight did the aircraft turn around, why did it turn around, how many passengers were on board, what has Air NZ advised those passengers, will they be offered any compensation, how many outbound passengers from Rarotonga have been affected, what has Air NZ advised them and will Air NZ change schedules/put on extra flights?