Air New Zealand has cancelled flight NZ5 from Los Angeles to Auckland tonight, affecting 285 passengers, after the aircraft sustained damage while on the tarmac at Los Angeles International Airport.
Air New Zealand says the Boeing 777-300 aircraft was parked on the gate and ready for boarding when its horizontal stabiliser was clipped by an aircraft from another airline which was being towed behind it.
Air New Zealand General Manager Customer Experience Anita Hawthorne says the airline is doing everything possible to assist customers affected by the cancellation.
“Unfortunately, 285 customers have had their flight cancelled this evening," Ms Hawthorne said in a statement.
"We’re doing everything we can to get them to Auckland, including re-accommodating some customers via our NZ1 Los Angeles-Auckland service this evening, re-routing others via our other North American ports or booking them on other airlines.
"Many customers will, however, unfortunately need to overnight in Los Angeles and we are providing accommodation where necessary,” she said.
Air New Zealand engineers are travelling to Los Angeles tonight.
A replacement part has been located but will need to be transported to Los Angeles to be fitted to the aircraft and it is likely to take several days to complete the repair, the airline said.
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