AUCKLAND— An Air New Zealand (NZ) flight from Auckland to Dunedin (DUD) was forced to turn back on Saturday (September 13, 2025) after two aborted landing attempts. The airline cited significant windshear conditions as the reason for the diversion.
Chief Operating Officer Alex Marren confirmed that passengers from flight NZ676 were re-accommodated on later services and apologised for the disruption. Among the affected travellers was broadcaster Matty McLean, who had planned to run the Dunedin Marathon but missed the event due to the diversion.
Photo: By Cammynz – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=78707485Air New Zealand A320 Failed to Land at Dunedin
The aircraft attempted to land twice at Dunedin Airport (DUD) but was unable to complete the approach safely. Winds gusted up to 78 km/h, creating unstable conditions near the runway. According to Marren, safety considerations left no option but to return to Auckland (AKL).
Footage shared by McLean on social media showed the plane swaying on descent, with passengers initially cheering as the aircraft came close to touchdown before pulling up suddenly.
The tense moments highlighted the impact of windshear, a rapid change in wind speed and direction that can be dangerous during takeoff or landing.
The flight NZ675 was operated by an 8.9-year-old Airbus A320-232, registered as ZK-OXM.
McLean, who was travelling with his husband Ryan Teece, described the aborted landings as “pretty scary.” He said the first approach ended quickly, while the second brought the aircraft almost onto the runway before the pilot initiated a go-around.
“Everyone thought we were landing, and there was cheering on board. Then, at the last moment, we pulled up again,” McLean recounted. Despite the unsettling experience, he praised the crew for their professionalism and calm handling of the situation, Stuff.co.nz reported.
Saturday brought gusty conditions across the Otago region, with winds at Dunedin Airport peaking at 78 km/h.
The strong crosswinds created challenges for arriving flights, forcing adjustments to schedules. By Sunday, the forecast indicated more settled weather with no high winds expected.
Photo: By Biponacci – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=81669481Missed the Marathon and Travel Disappointment
For McLean, the diversion meant missing the Dunedin Marathon, an event he had trained for extensively. He expressed disappointment but maintained a sense of humour, joking that after hours in the air, he and his husband ended up collecting their dog from friends back in Auckland.
“We were both really looking forward to the weekend in Dunedin, and the marathon was going to be an amazing event. Any run is always a big goal, so it was disappointing, but the weather is out of anyone’s control,” he said.
Looking ahead, McLean hinted he would make another attempt to reach Dunedin for the marathon in 2026.
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Air New Zealand A320 Stop its Takeoff at Auckland Airport
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