The nation's major and busiest international airport terminal at Auckland was successfully shut down at the height of the city's rush hour this evening since of a gas leak. The leak at the Novotel building site in the car park area was reported to have occurred after a pipe was hit by a digger.


Police said tonight traffic was being unfocused at the intersection of Tom Pearce and George Bolt Memorial Drive. The leak was not reported to be endanger aircraft actions at Auckland International Airport (AIA), but the incurable and the car park were evacuated.

No approximation was available as to when the leak would be repaired.

"We have to make sure the skies are safe." Mayor of Clare, Cllr Tony Mulcahy (FG) was speaking as news was expected last evening from the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) about the probable closure of Shannon International Airport again today (Tuesday). Last night, the IAA informed Irish-based airlines that it was worried Shannon and Dublin airports, along with a number of local airports, may be precious by the drift south of the volcanic ash cloud from Iceland caused by the north easterly winds. Full report in this week's Clare People.