From Etihad Airways to Qatar Airways, here's a look at the top five world's safest airlines in 2025. This list also includes Air New Zealand, Qantas, Cathay Pacific, Emirates and Virgin Australia.

5 world's safest airlines in 2025 - Check which airline tops list

A few months after Air New Zealand announced it was weighing passengers before departure,&nbsp;Korean Air - South Korea's largest airline -&nbsp;has also announced it will follow suit.&nbsp;

According to a report by the Independent,&nbsp;Korean Air said it would be ''measuring the average weight of passengers along with their carry-on items for flight safety''.

The airlines stated that the programme will affect some travellers departing from&nbsp;Gimpo International Airport (GMP) from August 28 until September 3 and from Incheon International Airport (ICA) between September 8-19.

Both passengers and their luggage will be weighed anonymously and the collected data will be shared with the&nbsp;Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. Those not fully on board with the weight data collection can simply opt out of the programme by letting a staff member know, CNN reported.&nbsp;

According to experts, periodic weight assessments of passengers, as well as their luggage help airlines determine if weight estimates are still accurate to offset the amount of cargo they carry.&nbsp;

The announcement, however, was met with public backlash, according to local media reports.&nbsp;"It feels awkward that others will know my weight," said one netizen, while another asked, "If I weigh less, will they let me carry on more baggage?" or&nbsp;"Will I be charged more if I weigh more?"

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasas-supersonic-passenger-flights-are-getting-closer-629569">Watch |&nbsp;NASA's supersonic passenger flights are getting closer</a>

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<h2>Air New Zealand weighs passengers&nbsp;</h2>

In May,&nbsp;Air New Zealand announced it was weighing the passengers as part of a programme to gather real-world data on the weight load and distribution of planes. The airlines' load control improvement specialist Alastair James, in a statement, said that they weigh “everything” that goes onboard the aircraft, “from the cargo to the meals onboard, to the luggage in the hold.”&nbsp;

At the time, the airline said passengers will be asked to stand on a digital scale when they check-in for their flight before reaching the boarding gate. The so-called passenger weight survey aims to collect data from at least 10,000 passengers and those who do not wish to participate can skip it.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/air-new-zealand-to-weigh-passengers-before-they-board-flights-heres-why-598527">Also read |&nbsp;Air New Zealand to weigh passengers before they board int’l flights. Here’s why</a>

In 2021, domestic passengers participated in a similar survey but the one for international travellers was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A few months after Air New Zealand announced it was weighing passengers before departure, Korean Air - South Korea's largest airline - has also announced it will follow suit.

A few months after Air New Zealand announced it was weighing passengers before departure, Korean Air - South Korea's largest airline - has also announced it will follow suit. According to a report by the Independent, Korean Air said it would be ''measuring the average weight of passengers along with their carry-on items for flight safety''. The airlines stated that the programme will affect some travellers departing from Gimpo International Airport (GMP) from August 28 until September 3 and from Incheon International Airport (ICA) between September 8-19. Both passengers and their luggage will be weighed anonymously and the collected data will be shared with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. Those not fully on board with the weight data collection can simply opt out of the programme by letting a staff member know, CNN reported. According to experts, periodic weight assessments of passengers, as well as their luggage help airlines determine if weight estimates are still accurate to offset the amount of cargo they carry. The announcement, however, was met with public backlash, according to local media reports. "It feels awkward that others will know my weight," said one netizen, while another asked, "If I weigh less, will they let me carry on more baggage?" or "Will I be charged more if I weigh more?" Watch | NASA's supersonic passenger flights are getting closer × Air New Zealand weighs passengers In May, Air New Zealand announced it was weighing the passengers as part of a programme to gather real-world data on the weight load and distribution of planes. The airlines' load control improvement specialist Alastair James, in a statement, said that they weigh “everything” that goes onboard the aircraft, “from the cargo to the meals onboard, to the luggage in the hold.” At the time, the airline said passengers will be asked to stand on a digital scale when they check-in for their flight before reaching the boarding gate. The so-called passenger weight survey aims to collect data from at least 10,000 passengers and those who do not wish to participate can skip it. Also read | Air New Zealand to weigh passengers before they board int’l flights. Here’s why In 2021, domestic passengers participated in a similar survey but the one for international travellers was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

After Air New Zealand, THIS airline to weigh passengers before departure. Know why

Air New Zealand has started weighing its passengers at the airport. It is in attempt gather for the 'Passengers' Weight Survey' and aims at passenger safety. What is this survey?

Gravitas: Why are passengers being weighed at New Zealand airport?

It is normal to weigh bags before boarding a flight but the aviation authorities in New Zealand have asked its national carrier to now weigh passengers also. That’s right, New Zealand’s Civil Aviation Authority has asked Air New Zealand to weigh passengers before departure on international flights taking off from Auckland International Airport.&nbsp;

<h2>Why is New Zealand doing this?</h2>

Air New Zealand has said that the process is part of a passenger weight survey to gather real-world data on the weight load and distribution of planes. The airlines' load control improvement specialist Alastair James, in a statement, said that they weigh “everything” which goes onboard the aircraft “from the cargo to the meals onboard, to the luggage in the hold.”&nbsp;

He added, “For customers, crew and cabin bags, we use average weights, which we get from doing this survey.” Air New Zealand also told NPR, that it is for “safety reasons” that they weigh everything onboard the aircraft and the survey is also mandated by the country’s civil aviation authority.&nbsp;

<h2>Process will be&nbsp;anonymous, optional</h2>

“No one can see your weight, not even us,” said James. The airline also said that they acknowledge that standing on the weighing scale in public “can be daunting”. However, they have&nbsp;asked people not to worry as the scales will not display the passengers’ weight and the data will be “directly fed into a computer and recorded anonymously along with thousands of other passengers.”

The passengers will be asked to stand on a digital scale when they check-in for their flight before reaching the boarding gate. The so-called passenger weight survey aims to collect data from at least 10,000 passengers and those who do not wish to participate can skip it.&nbsp;

“It’s simple, it’s voluntary, and by weighing in, you’ll be helping us to fly you safely and efficiently, every time,” said James. The survey began for selected Air New Zealand flights departing from Auckland, on Sunday and will go on till July 2. However, this is not the first time that Air New Zealand has asked the weight of its passengers.&nbsp;

In 2021, domestic passengers participated in a similar survey but the one for international travellers was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, any amount of weight in an aircraft affects virtually everything, including, the plane’s climb rate to its cruising altitude, speed and manoeuvrability, said a report by NPR citing United States Federal Aviation Authorities.&nbsp; 
 
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It is normal to weigh bags before boarding a flight but the aviation authorities in New Zealand have asked its national carrier to now weigh passengers also. That’s right, New Zealand’s Civil Aviation Authority has asked Air New Zealand to weigh passengers before departure on international flights taking off from Auckland International Airport.

It is normal to weigh bags before boarding a flight but the aviation authorities in New Zealand have asked its national carrier to now weigh passengers also. That’s right, New Zealand’s Civil Aviation Authority has asked Air New Zealand to weigh passengers before departure on international flights taking off from Auckland International Airport. Why is New Zealand doing this? Air New Zealand has said that the process is part of a passenger weight survey to gather real-world data on the weight load and distribution of planes. The airlines' load control improvement specialist Alastair James, in a statement, said that they weigh “everything” which goes onboard the aircraft “from the cargo to the meals onboard, to the luggage in the hold.” He added, “For customers, crew and cabin bags, we use average weights, which we get from doing this survey.” Air New Zealand also told NPR, that it is for “safety reasons” that they weigh everything onboard the aircraft and the survey is also mandated by the country’s civil aviation authority. Process will be anonymous, optional “No one can see your weight, not even us,” said James. The airline also said that they acknowledge that standing on the weighing scale in public “can be daunting”. However, they have asked people not to worry as the scales will not display the passengers’ weight and the data will be “directly fed into a computer and recorded anonymously along with thousands of other passengers.” The passengers will be asked to stand on a digital scale when they check-in for their flight before reaching the boarding gate. The so-called passenger weight survey aims to collect data from at least 10,000 passengers and those who do not wish to participate can skip it. “It’s simple, it’s voluntary, and by weighing in, you’ll be helping us to fly you safely and efficiently, every time,” said James. The survey began for selected Air New Zealand flights departing from Auckland, on Sunday and will go on till July 2. However, this is not the first time that Air New Zealand has asked the weight of its passengers. In 2021, domestic passengers participated in a similar survey but the one for international travellers was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, any amount of weight in an aircraft affects virtually everything, including, the plane’s climb rate to its cruising altitude, speed and manoeuvrability, said a report by NPR citing United States Federal Aviation Authorities. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Air New Zealand to weigh passengers before they board int’l flights. Here’s why

In Pics | The top 7 airlines in the world

Air New Zealand will be nimbler, fly fewer passengers and routes, and may cut more jobs as it targets a return to "healthy profits" by 2022, its chief executive said as he navigates the airline through the coronavirus crisis.

Greg Foran laid out an 800-day plan to customers and staff under which the national flag carrier will look at how to further cut labour costs, including leave without pay, reduced hours or possibly laying off more people.

"We must first survive, then revive and finally thrive," Foran said in an email to staff and customers, as he forecast revenue for the next financial year to more than halve from recent levels.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealands-last-active-patient-of-coronavirus-recovers-country-now-has-zero-cases-304099">Also read:&nbsp;New Zealand's last active patient of coronavirus recovers, country now has zero cases</a>

Shares of the airline surged 11% to NZ$1.82, its highest in almost three months.

Airlines have slashed thousands of jobs and set aside cash for impairments on aircraft as the coronavirus damaged demand amid global lockdowns. Even as countries re-open, profits may be threatened by people refraining from travel and lower fares due to discounts.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said last week that global airlines cut domestic fares by an average 23% in May, and previously warned traffic would not return to pre-crisis levels until at least 2023.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-airlines-secures-1-billion-additional-credit-after-rights-issue-304149">Also read:&nbsp;Singapore Airlines secures $1 billion additional credit after rights issue</a>

Foran envisions Air New Zealand will be 70% of its pre-COVID-19 size by August 2022 and hinted at further layoffs as the second phase of a cost-cutting plan, to save around NZ$150 million ($98 million), began.

"I am really sorry we are in a situation of needing to reduce our wages bills further, but I believe this is what we need to do with some urgency," he said.

The company has ramped up domestic capacity to 55% of normal levels as New Zealand eases curbs after containing the outbreak, but is not betting on a return to long haul flying until next year.

Air New Zealand will be nimbler, fly fewer passengers and routes, and may cut more jobs as it targets a return to "healthy profits" by 2022, its chief executive said as he navigates the airline through the coronavirus crisis.

Air New Zealand will be nimbler, fly fewer passengers and routes, and may cut more jobs as it targets a return to "healthy profits" by 2022, its chief executive said as he navigates the airline through the coronavirus crisis. Greg Foran laid out an 800-day plan to customers and staff under which the national flag carrier will look at how to further cut labour costs, including leave without pay, reduced hours or possibly laying off more people. "We must first survive, then revive and finally thrive," Foran said in an email to staff and customers, as he forecast revenue for the next financial year to more than halve from recent levels. Also read: New Zealand's last active patient of coronavirus recovers, country now has zero cases Shares of the airline surged 11% to NZ$1.82, its highest in almost three months. Airlines have slashed thousands of jobs and set aside cash for impairments on aircraft as the coronavirus damaged demand amid global lockdowns. Even as countries re-open, profits may be threatened by people refraining from travel and lower fares due to discounts. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said last week that global airlines cut domestic fares by an average 23% in May, and previously warned traffic would not return to pre-crisis levels until at least 2023. Also read: Singapore Airlines secures $1 billion additional credit after rights issue Foran envisions Air New Zealand will be 70% of its pre-COVID-19 size by August 2022 and hinted at further layoffs as the second phase of a cost-cutting plan, to save around NZ$150 million ($98 million), began. "I am really sorry we are in a situation of needing to reduce our wages bills further, but I believe this is what we need to do with some urgency," he said. The company has ramped up domestic capacity to 55% of normal levels as New Zealand eases curbs after containing the outbreak, but is not betting on a return to long haul flying until next year.

''Survive, Revive, Thrive'': Air New Zealand's 800-day runway to healthy profits

World's 10 safest airlines to travel in 2020

Air New Zealand on Wednesday announced a proposal to put beds in economy-class, which it claimed could prove a "game-changer" for passengers desperate to stretch out on long-haul flights.

The airline, which operates some of the world's most lengthy flights from its remote South Pacific base, said the "Economy Skynest" aimed to bring pod-bed technology to the skies.

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Nestiquette (noun): How to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Skynest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Skynest</a> according to a couple friends 💤 but what are your nestiquette tips? <a href="https://t.co/8DhRqAmCzP">pic.twitter.com/8DhRqAmCzP</a>
— Air New Zealand✈️ (@FlyAirNZ) <a href="https://twitter.com/FlyAirNZ/status/1232530733287211009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"A clear pain point for economy travellers on long-haul flights is the inability to stretch out," the airline's chief marketing officer Mike Tod said.&nbsp;

"The development of the Economy Skynest is a direct response to that challenge."

The pods contain six beds, each measuring 200 by 58 centimetres (80 by 23 inches) with a pillow, sheets, blankets, earplugs and a privacy curtain.

The idea is that the pods sit in the economy class cabin and passengers pre-book sessions in them to break up long-haul flights, rather than occupying them for the entire journey.

The beds will not be introduced for a least a year, as the airline works through getting the concept approved by regulators.

"This is a game-changer on so many levels," said a spokeswoman for the firm, which said it was willing to license the Skynest to other airlines.

Air New Zealand on Wednesday announced a proposal to put beds in economy-class, which it claimed could prove a "game-changer" for passengers desperate to stretch out on long-haul flights.

Air New Zealand on Wednesday announced a proposal to put beds in economy-class, which it claimed could prove a "game-changer" for passengers desperate to stretch out on long-haul flights. The airline, which operates some of the world's most lengthy flights from its remote South Pacific base, said the "Economy Skynest" aimed to bring pod-bed technology to the skies. Nestiquette (noun): How to #Skynest according to a couple friends 💤 but what are your nestiquette tips? pic.twitter.com/8DhRqAmCzP — Air New Zealand✈️ (@FlyAirNZ) February 26, 2020 × "A clear pain point for economy travellers on long-haul flights is the inability to stretch out," the airline's chief marketing officer Mike Tod said. "The development of the Economy Skynest is a direct response to that challenge." The pods contain six beds, each measuring 200 by 58 centimetres (80 by 23 inches) with a pillow, sheets, blankets, earplugs and a privacy curtain. The idea is that the pods sit in the economy class cabin and passengers pre-book sessions in them to break up long-haul flights, rather than occupying them for the entire journey. The beds will not be introduced for a least a year, as the airline works through getting the concept approved by regulators. "This is a game-changer on so many levels," said a spokeswoman for the firm, which said it was willing to license the Skynest to other airlines.

Air New Zealand Skynest: Now, economy passengers can nap on pod-beds in flight

The annual airline awards are out, judging the best in the sector across the globe, &nbsp;airline-ratings.com has come out with the top 20 best-in-class airlines.

For the sixth time in seven years, Air New Zealand has emerged as the best carrier in the world.

The assessment was done by an experienced and awarded team of professionals from the aviation sector.

Comparing the best in class service provided by the top names in the industry, the survey named the top 20 airlines.

To be in the top 20, airlines must achieve a seven-star safety rating, they must also demonstrate leadership in innovation for passenger comfort.

Releasing the findings, &nbsp;airline-ratings.com editor-in-chief Geoffrey Thomas said that going by these standards, Air New Zealand is the leader followed by Singapore Airlines.

Last year, Singapore Airlines ended Air New Zealand's five-year dominance.

Following closely behind is Japan's All Nippon Airways, Australia's Qantas and Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific in the top five slots.

The airlines got rated on 12 counts including fleet age, passenger review, investment rating, staff relations, product offering and profitability

Air New Zealand has had an obsession with the top spot. It is one of the few airlines in the world to have the lowest risk of default. Over the years, the airline has enjoyed a healthy expansion in its domestic and international circuit.

Singapore Airlines at no.2 spot has been at the forefront of passenger safety and comfort. In the past two years, they introduced new fleets of Airbus a350 and Boeing 787 known to be the best with cutting-edge technology

Japanese Nippon Airways enters the big league at no 3 standing out for its cabin innovation. Qantas comes in with its best lounge and domestic service and an all-time high customer approval rating.

Delta Airlines was America's favourite choice while Lufthansa was the best airline operator in the European continent.

Cathay Pacific at no. 5 was the best airline in the Asia-Pacific segment.

Emirates figures at no. 6 in overall rating while being the best airline in the Middle-East and Africa sector. In the coming year, the airline will introduce premium economy to its fleet.

The countdown also includes Britain's Virgin Atlantic, Taiwan's Eva Air, Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia, making a maiden entry at no. 10.

The survey also names the best low-cost carriers and leaders in regional sectors. Jet-blue in Americas, Wizz of Europe, Air Arabia in the Middle East and Africa and Air Asia in the Asia Pacific were the top budget carriers.

This is the first time, the rating has extended its survey to name the top 20 instead of top 10 airlines.

The annual airline awards are out, judging the best in the sector across the globe, airline-ratings.com has come out with the top 20 best-in-class airlines. For the sixth time in seven years, Air New Zealand has emerged as the best carrier in the world.

The annual airline awards are out, judging the best in the sector across the globe, airline-ratings.com has come out with the top 20 best-in-class airlines. For the sixth time in seven years, Air New Zealand has emerged as the best carrier in the world. The assessment was done by an experienced and awarded team of professionals from the aviation sector. Comparing the best in class service provided by the top names in the industry, the survey named the top 20 airlines. To be in the top 20, airlines must achieve a seven-star safety rating, they must also demonstrate leadership in innovation for passenger comfort. Releasing the findings, airline-ratings.com editor-in-chief Geoffrey Thomas said that going by these standards, Air New Zealand is the leader followed by Singapore Airlines. Last year, Singapore Airlines ended Air New Zealand's five-year dominance. Following closely behind is Japan's All Nippon Airways, Australia's Qantas and Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific in the top five slots. The airlines got rated on 12 counts including fleet age, passenger review, investment rating, staff relations, product offering and profitability Air New Zealand has had an obsession with the top spot. It is one of the few airlines in the world to have the lowest risk of default. Over the years, the airline has enjoyed a healthy expansion in its domestic and international circuit. Singapore Airlines at no.2 spot has been at the forefront of passenger safety and comfort. In the past two years, they introduced new fleets of Airbus a350 and Boeing 787 known to be the best with cutting-edge technology Japanese Nippon Airways enters the big league at no 3 standing out for its cabin innovation. Qantas comes in with its best lounge and domestic service and an all-time high customer approval rating. Delta Airlines was America's favourite choice while Lufthansa was the best airline operator in the European continent. Cathay Pacific at no. 5 was the best airline in the Asia-Pacific segment. Emirates figures at no. 6 in overall rating while being the best airline in the Middle-East and Africa sector. In the coming year, the airline will introduce premium economy to its fleet. The countdown also includes Britain's Virgin Atlantic, Taiwan's Eva Air, Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia, making a maiden entry at no. 10. The survey also names the best low-cost carriers and leaders in regional sectors. Jet-blue in Americas, Wizz of Europe, Air Arabia in the Middle East and Africa and Air Asia in the Asia Pacific were the top budget carriers. This is the first time, the rating has extended its survey to name the top 20 instead of top 10 airlines.

Air New Zealand named top carrier globally in annual airline awards

An Air New Zealand flight to Shanghai turned back several hours into its journey on Sunday after discovering <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/pilots-must-curb-tendency-to-turn-up-drunk-for-flights-187816">it did not have permission to land in China</a>, the airline said.

Flight NZ289 carrying about 270 passengers left Auckland shortly before midnight on Saturday only to return about 10 am on Sunday (2100 GMT Saturday). It turned around several hours into the flight.

"A technicality meant the particular aircraft operating this service did not have Chinese regulatory authority to land in China," the airline said.

China's foreign ministry did not make any immediate comment when contacted by Reuters. Calls to the civil aviation administration were not answered.

Air New Zealand apologised to passengers and said a special service would fly them to Shanghai at 11 pm on Sunday (1000 GMT).

"We know customers will be deeply disappointed and frustrated by this situation and we are very sorry for the disruption to their travel plans," Air New Zealand said.

Disgruntled passengers voiced their disapproval on social media. One posted a picture on Twitter of the onboard flight map showing the aircraft turning around over Papua New Guinea.

"I've just experienced a new level of China Bad, midway through our flight from Auckland to Shanghai, the pilot informs us that Chinese authorities had not given this plane permission to land, so we needed to turn around. A permitting issue, supposedly," the passenger commented.

The same flight, NZ289, was turned back on a flight to China on August 24 last year, although an airline spokeswoman said that was due to an engineering issue, not a permitting one. 
&nbsp;

An Air New Zealand flight to Shanghai turned back several hours into its journey on Sunday after discovering it did not have permission to land in China, the airline said.

An Air New Zealand flight to Shanghai turned back several hours into its journey on Sunday after discovering it did not have permission to land in China, the airline said. Flight NZ289 carrying about 270 passengers left Auckland shortly before midnight on Saturday only to return about 10 am on Sunday (2100 GMT Saturday). It turned around several hours into the flight. "A technicality meant the particular aircraft operating this service did not have Chinese regulatory authority to land in China," the airline said. China's foreign ministry did not make any immediate comment when contacted by Reuters. Calls to the civil aviation administration were not answered. Air New Zealand apologised to passengers and said a special service would fly them to Shanghai at 11 pm on Sunday (1000 GMT). "We know customers will be deeply disappointed and frustrated by this situation and we are very sorry for the disruption to their travel plans," Air New Zealand said. Disgruntled passengers voiced their disapproval on social media. One posted a picture on Twitter of the onboard flight map showing the aircraft turning around over Papua New Guinea. "I've just experienced a new level of China Bad, midway through our flight from Auckland to Shanghai, the pilot informs us that Chinese authorities had not given this plane permission to land, so we needed to turn around. A permitting issue, supposedly," the passenger commented. The same flight, NZ289, was turned back on a flight to China on August 24 last year, although an airline spokeswoman said that was due to an engineering issue, not a permitting one.

Air New Zealand flight turns around after discovering it does not have permission to land in China

New Zealand&#39;s national carrier on Tuesday cancelled all flights in and out of the capital, Wellington, and the southern city of Christchurch declared a state of emergency as the remnants of tropical cyclone Gita pummelled the country.

Even before the storm hit in full force, heavy rains in the centre of New Zealand brought floods in Christchurch, prompting a warning from Mayor Lianne Dalziel.

&quot;The full impact of the storm will be felt overnight and tomorrow morning,&quot; she said, urging residents of low-lying areas to evacuate. &quot;We are expecting homes to be flooded.&quot;

Air New Zealand said all flights to the capital would be grounded from 2.45 pm&nbsp;(0145 GMT) as weather authorities issued warnings of severe weather and heavy rain and gusts of up to 150 kph (93 mph).&nbsp;

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said troops had fanned out to areas likely to be the hardest hit and the national Civil Defence office in Wellington was on standby to help.

&quot;My message still to people is please look out for your local warnings and expect disruption to travel and please just be careful,&quot; she told reporters at parliament.&nbsp;

Cyclone Gita hit the Pacific island nations of Fiji and Tonga last week, packing winds up to 275 kph (171 mph). Fiji escaped major damage but Tonga suffered widespread destruction and flooding. Earlier, the storm had caused extensive damage in Samoa and American Samoa.

The cyclone had since been downgraded to a storm, but forecasters said it was still likely to wreak havoc on Tuesday evening as it traversed the centre of New Zealand.

Parts of the country are still reeling from a huge storm that prompted authorities to declare states of emergency at the beginning of February.

More than 40 schools and preschools shut in the upper South Island, while mayors urged people to stay home.

Transport authorities shut a stretch of highway along the east coast of the South Island and the Department of Conservation was closing seaside hiking tracks and campsites along the West Coast and ushering tourists away from low-lying areas, media said.

Even before the storm hit in full force, heavy rains in the centre of New Zealand brought floods in Christchurch, prompting a warning from Mayor Lianne Dalziel

New Zealand's national carrier on Tuesday cancelled all flights in and out of the capital, Wellington, and the southern city of Christchurch declared a state of emergency as the remnants of tropical cyclone Gita pummelled the country. Even before the storm hit in full force, heavy rains in the centre of New Zealand brought floods in Christchurch, prompting a warning from Mayor Lianne Dalziel. "The full impact of the storm will be felt overnight and tomorrow morning," she said, urging residents of low-lying areas to evacuate. "We are expecting homes to be flooded." Air New Zealand said all flights to the capital would be grounded from 2.45 pm (0145 GMT) as weather authorities issued warnings of severe weather and heavy rain and gusts of up to 150 kph (93 mph). Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said troops had fanned out to areas likely to be the hardest hit and the national Civil Defence office in Wellington was on standby to help. "My message still to people is please look out for your local warnings and expect disruption to travel and please just be careful," she told reporters at parliament. Cyclone Gita hit the Pacific island nations of Fiji and Tonga last week, packing winds up to 275 kph (171 mph). Fiji escaped major damage but Tonga suffered widespread destruction and flooding. Earlier, the storm had caused extensive damage in Samoa and American Samoa. The cyclone had since been downgraded to a storm, but forecasters said it was still likely to wreak havoc on Tuesday evening as it traversed the centre of New Zealand. Parts of the country are still reeling from a huge storm that prompted authorities to declare states of emergency at the beginning of February. More than 40 schools and preschools shut in the upper South Island, while mayors urged people to stay home. Transport authorities shut a stretch of highway along the east coast of the South Island and the Department of Conservation was closing seaside hiking tracks and campsites along the West Coast and ushering tourists away from low-lying areas, media said.

Former cyclone Gita hits New Zealand; emergency declared in southern city

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