Massive queues have formed at the 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 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.

‘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. 

New Zealand’s other major airports at Christchurch and Auckland are operating as usual.

However flights from those cities to Wellington were cancelled on Thursday.

Footage obtained by The New Zealand 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.’

The Wellington council warned residents to stay indoors if possible and take extra care if they have to travel.

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

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 were closed and the council warned that there was significant flooding on several roads.