An Air New Zealand flight from Christchurch to Tauranga was cancelled this morning after pilots received an aircraft systems alert before take-off.

Chief Safety and Risk Officer Nathan McGraw said emergency services were called to Christchurch Airport’s runway as a precaution.

“Flight NZ5804 from Christchurch to Tauranga has been cancelled today after pilots noted an aircraft system indication alert before take-off,” McGraw said.

“In line with standard operating procedures, emergency services attended the aircraft on the runway as a precaution. Customers will be bused back to the terminal, and our maintenance team will now inspect the aircraft before it can return to service.”

He said Air New Zealand was working to get passengers to their destinations as quickly as possible.

“We thank our customers for their patience and understanding,” McGraw said.