Auckland Airport, in collaboration with Airways New Zealand and the Board of Airline Representatives New Zealand (BARNZ), is set to temporarily increase the number of aircraft using the Green X23A SMART Approach flight path to the airport.

The decision has been taken after the only pipeline supplying fuel to the airport was damaged by a digger on a rural property that resulted in fuel leak.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Go deeper with GlobalData

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

After this, the pipeline was closed and supplies to Auckland Airport were cut, affecting approximately 2,000 passengers who were stranded due to flight cancellations, reported BBC News.

The increased use of Green X23A SMART Approach will help save approximately 2,000l of aviation fuel each day, and will continue until the damaged pipeline is repaired and oil companies stop rationing fuel to airlines at the airport.

"Airlines are currently doing everything they can to save and conserve fuel, given the fuel rationing put in place by the oil companies."

The flight path usually serves a maximum of ten flights each day which, under current circumstances, will be increased to 20 services per day.

BARNZ executive director Justin Tighe-Umbers said: “Airlines are currently doing everything they can to save and conserve fuel, given the fuel rationing put in place by the oil companies.”

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

The Green X23A SMART Approach is a satellite-guided flight path to Runway 23L that is used to reduce aircraft noise, offer environmental benefits and ensure less fuel consumption.

Airways New Zealand system operations acting general manager Tim Boyle said: “Given the extraordinary need to conserve fuel at this time, we hope Aucklanders understand the need to temporarily increase the maximum number of flights on Green X23A – which has been made in the best interests of the city and the country.”

Image: Map of Green X23A SMART Approach flight path. Photo: courtesy of Auckland Airport.

Airport Technology Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Airport Technology Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.

Excellence in Action
HID has won the Biometric Gate Innovation Award for its BG100 Speedgate a next generation eGate combining HID® Facepod™ with ASSA ABLOY’s Speedgate. Discover how HID is redefining airport passenger processing with faster, contactless and secure biometric journeys from curb to gate.

Discover the Impact