Air New Zealand said it has cancelled 19 flights in and out of Tauranga today due to an ash cloud from Whaakari/White Island impacting the flight path.
The airline's chief safety and risk officer, Nathan McGraw, said conditions would be reassessed early this afternoon, and the airline would resume flying as soon as it was safe to operate in and out of the area.
"The safety of our customers and crew is our priority, and we are closely monitoring the situation.
"Affected customers will be rebooked on the next available service to help them reach their final destination safely."
McGraw recommended customers checked the Air New Zealand app or website for the latest updates on flights.
On Tuesday, GeoNet recorded minor activity on Whaakari/White Island. It noted the volcanic alert level remained at two, and the aviation colour code remained at yellow.
At the time, GeoNet said white plumes of steam and gas had been visible during the past week from the Bay of Plenty coast. Aircraft observed steam-and-gas emitted from the active vent, but there were no signs of erupted ash or rock on the crater floor at the time.
Small amounts of sulphur dioxide gas had been detected by satellite sensors. GeoNet said this gas release was not unusual for the volcano but the detections were the first since November 2025.
Earlier today, Air New Zealand announced it would cancel around 1100 flights amid the global fuel crisis caused by the Iran war, which would affect around 44,000 customers.
On Tuesday, it warned of potential price hikes and schedule changes if the Iran war continued, and suspended its earnings guidance "until fuel markets and operating conditions stabilise".
SHARE ME