Wellington Airport fire which cased flight disruption started in a 'difficult location', CEO says

Wellington Airport's chief executive is "very pleased" with the smoothness of the evacuation after a fire broke out on Friday night.

Speaking to RNZ at the scene, Matt Clarke said the fire was in the southwest of the airport in the area mainly used for the domestic departures.

He said the blaze was in "quite a difficult location" in a void in the walls between floors, in an area which could not been seen from outside.

Fire and Emergency (FENZ) investigators on Saturday morning determined the blaze began in some wiring inside a wall cavity.

It was not yet know the extent of the damage, but it appeared to be in a contained area which was a good sign, Clarke said.

Fourteen flights were diverted or unable to take off. Passengers had all since been rescheduled on flights leaving Saturday.

The southwest pier and main terminal building were evacuated after a fire activated smoke alarms about 7.45pm. Several people told RNZ they saw flames.

Investigators were seen by RNZ on Saturday arriving with their equipment.

Clarke said fire crews responded within minutes and emergency procedures were followed well.

Flights in and out of the airport were on hold for about four hours, with the first two flights following the fire - a Qantas and an Air New Zealand service from Sydney - landing about midnight.

On Saturday morning, music was playing from coffee shops where staff were unloading fresh pastries and sandwiches and TVs were screening the FIFA World Cup.

Kate Jensen

Photo: RNZ / Baz Macdonald

One passenger said the evacuation was like "herding cats" after the fire. Kate Jensen said it was a bit disorganised, but that herding grumpy and tired passengers was difficult.

She praised airline and airport staff for the support they offered her. One airline staff member offered to give her a lift to her accommodation.

"That's the New Zealand way."

Kate Jensen could see smoke before the airport was evacuated.

Photo: Supplied / Kate Jensen

One passenger said he had a flight to Auckland cancelled, but managed to get another flight soon afterwards.

RNZ spoke to him as he queued for a flight to Blenheim. He said he was very happy with Air New Zealand's organised and rapid response.

Photo: RNZ / Baz Macdonald

Wellington Airport advised passengers to check with their airlines for information about specific flights.

"We understand it was a disconcerting experience for people and apologise for the inconvenience. Our number one priority is always safety which is why we quickly and safely evacuated the terminal. We provided food, drinks and blankets along with updates for affected passengers and staff."

Photo: RNZ / Clio Francis

Some passengers said the evacuation was disorganised, with a lack of communication both during the evacuation and in the aftermath. One woman described the evacuation as "chaos", and said gate staff appeared confused as passengers who had already boarded were evacuated off the plane.

In response, Clarke said blankets were provided and fire wardens were updating groups of travellers as information became available.

"You can't let people back into a building with a fire".

Asked about possible compensation to affected passengers, he said disruptions were a part of travel.

Photo: RNZ / Baz Macdonald

"I think Air New Zealand and the other airlines, Jetstar, have done very well to relocate people and move them around to different flights where possible."

Evacuations at Wellington Airport after a fire.

Photo: Samuel Rillstone/RNZ

A specialist investigator arrived Saturday morning to determine the cause of the fire.

Night without necessities

A family on their way to Nelson was left without a change of clothes or toiletries overnight after their flight was canceled.

The Treadaway family were reunited with their bags on Saturday morning after spending a night in a Wellington hotel. They were given seats on a 10am flight to Nelson.

Dad Steven says it could have been worse. He said he heard an alarm on Friday night while in the airport lounge that would not go off, then saw smoke pouring out of a terminal building's roof.

He said it was not too scary as it seemed there was not any immediate danger. He said the worst part was standing out in the cold, and there were elderly people who would have been very uncomfortable.

Emergency services at Wellington Airport after a fire broke out.

Photo: Supplied

Kate Boyer said customers booked to travel had been given the ability to change their flights free of charge, and should check the AirNZ app for the latest information.

A Jetstar spokesperson said its operations were not significantly affected by the fire, but its last flight of the evening from Wellington to Christchurch experienced a minor delay in departure.

"I think Air New Zealand and the other airlines, Jetstar, have done very well to relocate people and move them around to different flights where possible," Clarke added.

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