A "severe medical incident" involving an airport staff member triggered widespread disruption at a major airport today. The incident occurred at Auckland Airport in New Zealand at around 11am local time, which corresponds to midnight in the UK, when emergency responders rushed to assist the worker on the airport tarmac. Due to the severity of the situation, airport operations were temporarily halted, affecting both incoming and outgoing flights.
According to an airport spokesperson, the medical event involved one of their own staff, and it prompted the immediate suspension of luggage and vehicle movements on the airfield. This safety measure contributed to the delay of at least two domestic flights, including one heading to New Zealand's South Island.
Passengers on affected flights were required to remain seated on board for approximately an hour before they were allowed to disembark, The New Zealand Herald reported.
The severity of the injury meant the worker the worker unable to be moved quickly from the scene.
The injured worker's condition was described as serious enough that they could not be quickly moved from the scene.
Hato Hone St John emergency services confirmed they were notified of the incident at 11.02am.
An ambulance was dispatched, and the patient was transported to Middlemore Hospital in moderate condition.
The injured worker's condition was described as serious enough that they could not be quickly moved from the scene.
Hato Hone St John emergency services confirmed they were notified of the incident at 11:02am. An ambulance was dispatched, and the patient was transported to Middlemore Hospital in moderate condition.
Auckland Airport, which first opened 59 years ago, is the largest and busiest airport in New Zealand. It serves as the main hub for Air New Zealand and acts as a significant hub for other international carriers such as Qantas and Emirates.
The airport is notable for being one of only two in the country equipped to handle large aircraft, including the Boeing 747 and Airbus A380. It also holds a four-star rating for its facilities and offers services such as the 24/7 SkyBus connection to the city center.
