An Air New Zealand aircraft bound for Auckland became bogged in soft ground at Christchurch Airport on Sunday morning after its wheels left the taxiway.

The aircraft, operating flight NZ582, was being pushed back ahead of departure when its main wheels rolled onto the grass beside the taxiway and sank into the ground.

Air New Zealand Chief Safety and Risk Officer Nathan McGraw said everyone on board got off the aircraft without incident.

“Our team is working to put on a new flight to Auckland for impacted customers later this morning,” McGraw said.

“We thank everyone onboard for their patience and understanding while we work to get them safely to their destination.”

 Staff were working to move the aircraft back to the gate so luggage could be unloaded and an engineering assessment carried out.

A Christchurch Airport spokesman said the aircraft had been pushed back from its stand on to the grass and airport staff were dealing with the situation.

No other flights were disrupted.