Air New Zealand cancelled 17 flights to Christchurch in wake of deadly shooting

National carrier Air New Zealand has cancelled at least 17 flights in and out of Christchurch, saying it couldn't screen customers and their baggage following deadly shootings at two mosques. The airline said some smaller planes travelling on regional routes were cancelled while larger jet planes would continue landing and taking off due to security screening processes already in place.

Typically, passengers on smaller turboprop aircraft travelling to or from Christchurch don't go through security screening and are able to walk right onto the plane. Air New Zealand said the safety of its customers and employees was paramount and apologized for the inconvenience. Police say at least 49 people were killed in the shootings during Friday prayers at the mosques.