Plane Lands Safely in Auckland After Windscreen Crack | 1News

An Air New Zealand flight landed safely in Auckland this morning after pilots identified a crack in the aircraft’s windscreen during a flight from New Plymouth. Flight NZ5036 was en route when the issue was discovered, according to Air New Zealand’s Chief Safety and Risk Officer, Nathan McGraw.

“The pilots followed standard operating procedure and reduced altitude as a precaution,” McGraw said. Auckland Airport emergency services were alerted at 10:15 a.m. Local time upon the aircraft’s arrival. A spokesperson for the airport confirmed the landing occurred without incident and did not disrupt other flight schedules.

No injuries were reported among passengers or crew. McGraw explained that windscreens are constructed with multiple layers of glass, designed to limit the impact of damage to a single pane.

Nathan McGraw was appointed Chief Safety and Risk Officer in January 2025, according to an Air New Zealand announcement. He has spent over thirty years in aviation, including twenty with Air New Zealand, previously leading integrated planning and serving as an ATR pilot for fifteen years.

The incident comes after Air New Zealand announced a new executive team in January 2025, with Nikhil Ravishankar appointed Chief Executive Officer in October 2025. Ravishankar previously served as Chief Digital Officer, overseeing the airline’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and advancements in its technology infrastructure. Richard Thomson continues as Chief Financial Officer, a role he resumed in March 2021.

Air New Zealand’s executive team also includes Nikki Dines as Chief People Officer, Kiri Hannifin as Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, Alex Marren as Chief Operating Officer, Jeremy O’Brien as Chief Customer and Digital Officer, and Scott Wilkinson as Chief Commercial Officer. Mike Williams serves as Chief Transformation and Alliances Officer.

The airline has not yet announced details regarding the inspection or repair of the aircraft involved in today’s incident.