Christchurch airport is closed.

Christchurch Airport reopened on Wednesday morning as frightened locals joined tourists seeking to leave the quake devastated South Island city.

The airport was closed overnight for all but emergency services in the wake of the 6.3-magnitude earthquake on Tuesday afternoon.

A security cordon has been put in place in the city while emergency operations are carried out. People are asked to avoid all non-essential travel to Christchurch.
Around 600 people spent the night at the terminal, while hundreds more filled local hotels and other accommodation as they sought to escape the city and the aftershocks that continue to rattle nerves and buildings.

A state of emergency has been declared in Christchurch, New Zealand. The New Zealand Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management is managing the situation alongside emergency services in Christchurch. .

All other South Island and New Zealand airports are open and operating. International travellers planning to visit New Zealand are advised that all regions outside of the Canterbury area remain operational. Travellers should check with their airline or travel agent before commencing travel.