6 Oct 2025

Air New Zealand flight from Los Angeles turned back after power system overheated

9:02 pm on 6 October 2025
air new zealand boeing 777-219 inflight mid-air after taking off from hong kong international airport on chek lap kok island.

The Air New Zealand plane was en route to Auckland. (File photo) Photo: camfoto/123RF

An Air New Zealand flight from Los Angeles to Auckland has had to turn back not long after takeoff.

A relative of a passenger on board told RNZ the power system overheated, and there was no air conditioning or inflight entertainment.

The plane turned back to Los Angeles shortly after takeoff.

The plane turned back to Los Angeles shortly after takeoff. Photo: FLIGHT RADAR / SUPPLIED

Air New Zealand chief operating officer, Alex Marren said shortly after take-off flight NZ3 experienced a "technical issue" impacting the air conditioning and entertainment systems.

"Crew onboard worked with engineers to resolve the issue but were unable to so as a precaution the aircraft returned to Los Angeles to be inspected by our engineering team on the ground.

"Passengers will be reaccommodated on the next available services and we thank them for their patience while we work through this disruption. We know any disruption to travel can be frustrating; however, safety is our utmost priority".

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