Napier-bound plane grounded after report of smoke in cockpit at Auckland Airport

No fire has been found on a plane bound for Napier after smoke was smelled inside the aircraft before take-off at Auckland Airport.

After boarding was completed but prior to departure, passengers were asked to disembark flight NZ5011(Auckland to Napier) after a smoke smell was detected.

Passengers returned to the domestic terminal and will be rebooked on other services.

The aircraft has been taken to a hanger and is now being investigated by engineers to find the cause of the smell.

Emergency services were called at 12:03pm. Five appliances initially attended. Two have now returned to the station.

St John is on its way for patients with possible smoke inhalation, there are no current reports of injuries.