Fire disrupts flights at New Zealand's Wellington airport

WELLINGTON - A fire broke out at Wellington Airport in New Zealand on Friday, forcing evacuations from the main terminal and causing flight diversions before it was extinguished.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand said crews responded alongside the airport's own fire brigade after the blaze was first reported at about 7:15 p.m. (0715 GMT).

Wellington Airport said in a later update that the fire in the southwest terminal had been extinguished. The airport, which serves the capital, said no injuries had been reported and that authorities would investigate the cause of the fire.

"The airport will be open as usual tomorrow, however there may be some flow-on disruptions to flights so passengers are advised to check directly with their airlines," it added.

Flights into Wellington were temporarily diverted after the fire broke out, while the southwest pier and main terminal building were evacuated.

Air New Zealand, the airport's largest carrier, said its flights in and out of Wellington were being held back until further notice.

(Reporting by Lucy Craymer in Wellington and Christine Chen in Sydney; Editing by Aidan Lewis and Helen Popper)

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