Air New Zealand Airbus A320 ZK-OJA ANZ805 Diverts to Rockhampton Airport from Christchurch due Storms in Brisbane

Certainly a surprise arrival into Rockhampton Airport late on Wednesday 30 November was Air New Zealand Airbus A320-200 ZK-OJA.  It was operating as ANZ805 which is the airline's scheduled service from Christchurch (New Zealand) to Brisbane.

ZK-OJA landed at Rockhampton Airport after being unable to land at and diverting from Brisbane due to a line of serious storms passing through around the time it was due to touch down.  It parked on Gate 1 on the Northern end of the Rocky Airport apron due to a Toll Freight Express Metro III VH-UZP parked on the Southern end.

What is strange is that ZK-OJA flew all the way North to Rockhampton Airport, rather than diverting to the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast, two airports where Air New Zealand actually operate scheduled services into.

Reports suggest though that Rockhampton might actually be the 'usual' diversion airport for Air New Zealand - as well as some other airlines including Qantas, Singapore Airlines and even Emirates Airline.

After being refuelled, ZK-OJA departed to Brisbane, continuing as ANZ805.

Sincere thanks to the local plane spotters that ventured to Rockhampton Airport to capture some great photos of this great surprise visitor!

Photos taken by Ash Burggraaff and Kayanne Hardsman  ©