Passengers arriving from New Zealand aboard Air New Zealand flight NZ990 on Saturday afternoon experienced unexpected delays at Faleolo International Airport due to issues with the airbridge. 

The aircraft landed as scheduled but passengers were required to remain onboard for nearly an hour as airport staff worked to address the situation.

The delay was attributed to damage sustained by the airbridge that connects planes to the terminal facilitating passenger disembarkation. 

While the exact cause of the damage has not yet been identified, airport personnel managed to resolve the issue within approximately 60 minutes, allowing passengers to disembark safely.

Several travellers took to social media to express their frustration over the incident, questioning the airport's preparedness for such scenarios. 

Concerns were raised regarding the lack of a contingency plan to address unexpected equipment failures, especially for an international airport handling regular incoming flights.

One passenger commented, "It was surprising that there was no backup plan in place for such a critical infrastructure failure. Waiting on board for that long after landing is not ideal, especially for those with tight schedules."

The airport authority has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident or the specific nature of the airbridge damage. However, the event has sparked discussions on the need for improved infrastructure resilience and emergency response protocols at Faleolo International Airport.

Incidents like this highlight the importance of regular maintenance and contingency planning to minimse disruptions and ensure a seamless experience for travellers.