Flights cancelled after volcano erupts in New Zealand
Air New Zealand has been hit by delays and cancellations after Mount Tongaririo erupted on the country’s North Island creating an ash cloud.
The airline has had to cancel some flights between Taupo and Wellington.
The Foreign Office has warned travellers to check for flight delays or cancellations and those travelling to the Central Plateau Region of New Zealand are advised to check conditions with local authorities.
An Air New Zealand spokesman said the company was working with the Civil Aviation Authority and the MetService to monitor the ash cloud.
The large ash eruption took place at 1.30pm today local time – 12.30am UK time – after the volcano has been quiet for more than a century.
Some groups were evacuated from the national park but there were no immediate reports of injuries.
A release from the Ministry of Civil Defence said "minor volcanic activity" was occurring at the Tongariro – Te Maari craters and "could be hazardous in the immediate vicinity of the craters".
"Light volcanic ash fall can be anticipated downwind of Tongariro", it said, potentially affecting the Waikato, Hawkes Bay, Gisborne and Bay of Plenty areas.
Diane
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