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New Zealand Active Shooter Incident
Members in Christchurch (Canterbury region, South Island) should exercise caution and follow all official directives following the two active shooter incidents at the Al Noor (Masjid Al Noor) and Linwood (Linwood Masjid) mosques. Christchurch International Airport (CHC) is operating normally, though security measures at the facility have been heightened. Flag carrier Air New Zealand has cancelled the remainder of regional departures from Christchurch scheduled for 15 March. The national terror threat level has been raised from low to high.
Organisations with travellers in the area, or planning to travel to the area, are advised to continue to keep abreast of any new developments and maintain contact with travellers to plan and change travel itineraries and programmes as needed.
Advice for travellers:
• Avoid the affected areas. If you are nearby, minimise movement until the situation stabilises.
• Expect, but do not be alarmed by the increased security presence throughout the city. Comply with all official directives.
• If planning to travel to the affected areas in the coming hours, ensure routes are clear prior to setting out.
• If you are scheduled to fly via Christchurch airport over the coming hours, allow additional time for travel to the facility, and to complete check-in procedures, due to enhanced security measures. Contact Air New Zealand directly to confirm the status of your flight; your travel agent will be able to assist with alternative arrangements.
• Monitor the New Zealand Police Twitter page and our alerts for further updates.
For the latest information and advice, International SOS members are advised to contact their Assistance Centre, register for email alerts and review the travel security updates on Travel Security Online and through the International SOS Portal.
We also advise clients and members to download the International SOS Assistance App, here.
Notes to Editors
About International SOS and Control Risks
Our alliance brings together two of the world’s leading medical and security specialists, International SOS and Control Risks. Our combined resources and expertise are well placed to meet the customers’ growing need for integrated travel security risk services. Our solutions ensure that mobile employees are safe and productive and help employers with their duty of care obligations. 50 dedicated experts, located across the globe with access to over 200 dedicated travel security experts through 26 regional Assistance Centres and a partner network of over 700 accredited providers, produce global travel security information and analysis 24/7. We also provide travel security training, preventative travel assessment, support with the development of travel security risk policies, evacuation plans and the latest technology to enable clients to track and communicate with their mobile employees.
