The blackout was caused by a cable that was severed during the installation of the new Precession Approach Path Indicator or P-A-P-I light system.

The P-A-P-I system is one of six projects in negotiation with the World Bank. It is a joint contract between the World Bank, Tonga's Transport Ministry and Tonga Airports Ltd and it is part of Tonga's International Airport upgrade.

Tonga Airport Limited CEO Darin Cusack says that the problem with the power in this incident was different from the problem that forced the diversion of the same flight last month.

Air NZ passengers including Prime Minister, Dr Feleti Sevele, were left in the dark as they were diverted to Samoa following the blackout of Fua'amotu Airports runway lights last Tuesday evening.

Mr Cusack has assured flyers that despite these two hiccups, the airport will be fully operational for the busy Christmas holiday season and he is confident that Tonga Airports Ltd will face no further problems.

The Prime Minster, Dr feleti Sevele was again stranded at an airport, this time in Hawaii due to the diverted flight.

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