16 Dec 2016

Flight cancelled after man pushes attendant

8:37 pm on 16 December 2016

A flight from Queenstown to Auckland has been cancelled after a man pushed a flight attendant.

At the request of the plane's captain, police and aviation security were called at 5.10pm today to a report an agitated man had pushed a female flight attendant onboard the plane.

Queenstown Airport against the backdrop of The Remarkables mountain range.

Queenstown Airport against the backdrop of The Remarkables mountain range. Photo: Queenstown Airport

"She stumbled backwards and fell. She was shocked but otherwise uninjured."

A 75-year-old man was arrested for common assault. Police gave him a pre-charge warning.

Air New Zealand said it happened as customers boarded flight NZ648 to Auckland.

"Customers booked to travel on this flight will be re-accommodated on alternative services," a spokesperson said.