New Zealand
1News

South African Airways lands in Christchurch for first time, with 300 repatriated Kiwis aboard

September 8, 2020

A South African Airways flight touched down in the South Island just before noon today in a first for Christchurch Airport.

South African Airways (SAA) flight SA2984 arrived in Christchurch from Johannesburg at around 11.45am, Stuff reports.

The nearly 13-hour repatriation flight was carrying 300 New Zealanders returning home from South Africa.

"Another first for Christchurch Airport! Today we welcome to the South Island our first aircraft from @flysaa," the airport said on Twitter this afternoon.

"Welcome home to the 300 Kiwi passengers returning from Johannesburg."

The A340 aircraft will return to South Africa on Thursday.

New ZealandChristchurch and CanterburyAfricaTravel

SHARE ME

More Stories

Weather warnings and watches in place for Saturday and Sunday.

'Destructive' gales to lash Canterbury, red strong wind warning issued

MetService warned of destructive 150km/h gusts as severe weather threatens to batter much of the South Island and lower North.

10:26am

Mongrel Mob headquarters in Mataura.

Six Mongrel Mob members jailed after violent Southland crime spree

In January 2022, the area began experiencing a slew of violent offending that spanned several months, including drive-by shootings and violent assaults.

Friday 4:59pm

A tree in strong wind.

Swathe of weather watches and warnings issued for the South Island

MetService meteorologist John Law said there would be more strong winds and heavy rain in store for the weekend.

Friday 12:56pm

Donna Moot runs Turtle Rescue in Christchurch and is caring for almost 80 turtles.

Increasing numbers of pet turtles being found in South Island waterways

Turtle rescuer Donna Moot is at capacity and fears more to come.

Friday 11:36am

1:29

The woman’s death was not being treated as suspicious and would be referred to the Coroner.

Body of 66-year-old woman reported missing found in Christchurch

The woman was reported missing after she did not show up to a planned lunch date on Wednesday, September 17.

Friday 7:20am

Damage caused by the fire in Southbridge.

Man 'devastated' at loss of late father's car collection in fire

Canterbury's Ben Lappage said his dad had been collecting cars for 30 to 40 years.

Thu, Sep 18

1:56

Latest

Popular

19 mins ago

Protestors march against Government's pay equity changes

The March for Pay Equity approaches parliament.

1:05pm

US carries out third fatal strike on alleged drug smuggling boat

The US military carried out its third fatal strike against an alleged drug smuggling vessel this month.

12:32pm

Relief for neighbours as demolition begins on mouldy, abandoned Wgtn home

Gates have gone up in front of the decaying house.

11:54am

Man who died on Universal Orlando roller coaster had a spinal condition

Guests ride on the Stardust Racers roller coaster.

11:20am

Baby among deaths linked to Optus triple-zero outage

Optus, Australia.

11:00am

Takeaways from RFK Jr's vaccine advisory panel meeting

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visits University of Utah to discuss Utah's new fluoride ban and food additives legislation.
1
2
3
4
5
6

More from Entertainment

Life and work melds for creative couple behind doco series on teen dads

Life and work melds for creative couple behind doco series on teen dads

Johnny and Azita Agnew have a history of delving into the lives of society's most marginalised groups and making artful documentaries.

6:00am

Jimmy Kimmel poses in the press room with the award for host for a game show for "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" during night two of the Creative Arts Emmy Awards.

Jimmy Kimmel's talk show pulled indefinitely over Charlie Kirk remarks

"We do not believe they reflect the spectrum of opinions, views, or values of the local communities in which we are located,” the network said.

Thu, Sep 18

Chappell Roan arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards.

Pop superstar Chappell Roan to headline Laneway in Auckland

Thu, Sep 18

Tiki Taane performs on stage with his children and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.

Why are New Zealand musicians leaving Spotify?

Wed, Sep 17

Snoop Dogg performs in Vancouver, British Columbia in 2025.

Snoop Dogg NZ show canned days out

Wed, Sep 17