[David Ramsay]

A slighty different perspective on the same story. From stuff.co.nz

A pilot was following "standard operating procedure" when he swooped upwards to avoid coming too close to a smaller plane, Air New Zealand says.

Passengers on the Airbus A320 returning from the Gold Coast were given a fright on Friday when the plane lurched alarmingly about ten minutes before landing, the Herald on Sunday reported.

Air New Zealand said the flight was on approach to Auckland International Airport when a cockpit indicator notified the pilots of a smaller aircraft in the vicinity.

"As per standard operating procedure the pilot applied thrust to increase the aircraft's altitude to maintain the required operating distance," an Air New Zealand statement said.

It said the aircraft then circled to recommence the approach and land as normal.

"There was not a 'near miss' or a 'path to collision', as minimum separations weren't encroached," a spokeswoman said.

However, Airways NZ will now investigate the incident, despite believing the mandatory 500 foot separation distance was maintained.

"While Airways understands the Air NZ flight climbed in response to a cockpit indicator, at this point indications are that that separation was not lost and the light aircraft did not climb above the approved altitude," Airways said.

"Further detailed investigations on Monday will clarify the situation," it said.