Radar Fault Grounds All New Zealand Commercial Flights

All commercial flights have been grounded across the country due to a radar fault.

Radio New Zealand have reported that the nationwide fault means flights currently up in the air can land but no planes are allowed to take off.

An Auckland Airport spokesman told the Herald that all flights in the air could land, but departures were halted until the fault was resolved.

"We were informed by Airways New Zealand of a radar fault which is affecting all flights nationally," he said. "There is no resolution at this stage.

"All flights across the country are able to land but they are holding all departures until the fault is resolved."

A similar fault has occurred in previous years, he said.

The fault discovered shortly before 3pm meant no planes could take off.

Auckland Airport says they are now boarding planes again - starting with international flights.

That will be followed by domestic and then regional.