Massive queues have formed at a major airport in New Zealand‘s capital after 140km/h winds and torrential rain grounded flights and sparked travel chaos. 

MetService issued a rare ‘red’ warning for Wellington on Thursday, flagging torrential rain, large swells and severe gales with damaging gusts. 

Flights to and from the city are expected to be impacted for several days.

‘All flights in and out of Wellington Airport this afternoon have been cancelled,’ a spokesperson for the airport said in a statement.

‘Severe winds are expected to peak in Wellington this afternoon before easing this evening. Disruptions are likely to continue for the coming days so please check with your airline for specific flight information.’

Air New Zealand cancelled all Wellington arrivals and departures until 6pm local time on Thursday, including international flights. 

Jetstar and Sounds Air also cancelled all flights for the remainder of the day. 

Terminals and runways at Christchurch and Auckland Airports are operating as usual.

Passengers queued at Jetstar desks in Wellington Airport as all flights were grounded on Thursday due to severe weather including 140 km/h winds (the long queues are pictured)

An ‘orange’ heavy rain warning has been issued by MetService across large parts of the east New Zealand coast, with a rare ‘red level’ in Wellington (a map is pictured)

The disruption has had a ripple effect on some trips, with at least seven Christchurch to Wellington flights cancelled on Thursday.

Footage obtained by New Zealand’s Herald shows crowds of Jetstar passengers at Wellington Airport with passengers snaking down the hall of the departures area. 

The airline thanked passengers for ‘their understanding and patience’ in a statement. 

‘The safety of customers, crew and airport staff is our number one priority,’ it said. 

‘We have contacted affected customers by SMS with options including alternative flights, a free move up to 7 days, or a voucher to the value of their untravelled flights.’

Air New Zealand’s chief operating officer, Alex Marren, said the airline has been in touch with customers due to travel to or from Wellington to offer flexibility.

The capital’s city council warned residents to stay indoors if possible and take extra care if travelling due to the conditions.

‘Wellington City Council is aware of multiple trees that have blown down across the city this morning,’ a statement said on social media.

Wellington City Council said Moa Point Road was closed due to waves and debris

Selwyn District Council, on the east coast of the South Island, also declared a local state of emergency on Thursday morning due to the severe weather

It said the coastal Moa Point Road had been closed between the southern runway and Spruce Goose cafe due to waves and debris covering the roadway.

An ‘orange’ heavy rain warning has been issued by MetService from Wairarapa, south of Masterton on the North Island.

It stretches down to Canterbury on the South Island, including Christchurch and Banks Peninsula.

Selwyn District Council, covering an area on the east coast of the South Island, also declared a local state of emergency on Thursday morning due to severe weather.

Multiple schools across the district have closed and the council warned that there is significant flooding on several roads.