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Air NZ plane stuck in soft ground at Christchurch Airport

Sunday, 21 June 2026

Flight NZ582 became stuck in grass beside the taxiway at Christchurch Airport during Sunday morning’s pushback operation.
Flight NZ582 became stuck in grass beside the taxiway at Christchurch Airport during Sunday morning’s pushback operation.

An Air New Zealand plane has become stuck in soft ground at Christchurch Airport after leaving the taxiway during pushback on Sunday morning.

Flight NZ582 was preparing to depart for Auckland when the aircraft’s main wheels came into contact with grass beside the taxiway.

Air New Zealand Chief Safety and Risk Officer Nathan McGraw said all passengers disembarked safely.

Air NZ A320 stuck in the grass at Christchurch airport.
Air NZ A320 stuck in the grass at Christchurch airport.

Were you impacted by this incident? Email elsie.williams@press.co.nz

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

The plane was still stuck at midday.
The plane was still stuck at midday.

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

The airline’s team is worked to safely return the aircraft to the gate so bags can be unloaded and an engineering assessment completed.