‘Extreme fog’: Auckland rush-hour travel disrupted, 18 flights affected, ferries cancelled, delayed

Nearly 20 flights to and from Auckland Airport have been grounded and poor visibility has halted or delayed the departures of all port ferries as Auckland is blanketed in thick fog this morning.

And Niwa warns that the fog is likely to last until mid-morning, disrupting travel for at least a few more hours.

Auckland Airport says a growing number of regional flights have been affected in recent hours after airport authorities introduced fog restrictions at 1.20am.

A 7.30am ferry departure for Waiheke Island was canceled while ferries bound for central Auckland between Hobsonville and Beach Haven have been grounded for the last hour. All other ferries passing through Auckland’s Waitematā port are now delayed by up to 20 minutes due to extreme fog over the water.

Air New Zealand has confirmed 15 domestic flights have been canceled due to fog and three flights have been delayed, an airport spokesman said.

So far, flights on the main domestic routes between Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown, as well as international flights, have not been affected.

Auckland Airport said those planning to leave the city should check in advance as delays and cancellations can be expected.

The widespread fog also causes problems for commuters on and off the streets.

The region’s traffic cameras show the city under a thick blanket of fog with poor visibility over the region’s busy highways.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is warning motorists to keep their lights on, allow extra time and be concerned about the distances traveled on the roads this morning.

Auckland Transport has expanded on the recommendation that those using water transport should expect delays, after previously warning commuters on the Hobsonville and Beach Haven ferries to expect delays due to extreme fog.