One person told the Herald they were sent back to Wellington to refuel after being unable to land in Auckland.

An Auckland Airport spokesperson said a departing international aircraft reported an issue during takeoff roll just after 7.30pm.

“It left the runway shortly afterwards, returning safely to the departure gate,” they said.

“The safety of travellers is always Auckland Airport’s top priority and we quickly carried out a routine inspection of the airfield, meaning the runway needed to close for a short time.

“After discovering debris on the runway, we dispatched two sweeper trucks to clear it. Unfortunately, the short closure of the runway created a number of flight delays and some diversions for arriving flights.”

The runway has now reopened.