Airlines Cancel N.Z. Flights, Ration Fuel After Pipeline Leak
- Disruption comes days before New Zealanders vote in election
- Government deploys naval tanker to help with fuel distribution
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Airlines are canceling flights in New Zealand and adding stops for long-haul services after a pipeline bringing jet fuel to Auckland airport was closed due to a leak.
Air New Zealand estimated 2,000 customers a day will be affected by the disruption over the next few days as it has just 30 percent of normal fuel volumes available to it. The airline said Monday it has canceled 18 flights so far and further schedule changes will be necessary. Qantas Airways has canceled some flights within New Zealand and to Australia as it is also forced to ration fuel.