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'Some clown slept in!' - Police Minister criticises 'unbelievable and unacceptable' Napier Airport delay

September 10, 2018

Stuart Nash said it has "nothing to do with me at this point". — Stuart Nash. (Source: 1 NEWS)

The Police Minister has criticised the lateness of an air traffic controller at Napier Airport, calling the 20 minute delay "unbelievable and unacceptable".

Stuart Nash tweeted Air New Zealand this morning: "Plane late leaving Napier by 20 minutes yet again; but for the second Monday in a row it's because air traffic controller turned up late for work."

"Yet again a plane full of punters delayed because some clown slept in! Unbelievable and unacceptable."

Airways New Zealand, that are in charge of air traffic control, replied to Mr Nash: "We apologise to those delayed this morning at Napier due to an unexpected staff shortage.

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"Unfortunately this came after a controller had a car break down en route to work last week. While unrelated, we regret these two issues have inconvenienced passengers."

Flight control equipment in the traffic control tower — Air traffic control (file picture). (Source: istock.com)

Mr Nash has since deleted his tweet.

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