WELLINGTON, New Zealand – All of New Zealand’s international and domestic flights were grounded Tuesday after authorities reported that the nationwide radar system had failed.

Airways New Zealand, which provides navigational services, wrote on Twitter that it experienced a radar failure at 2:48 p.m. (0248 GMT)

Transport Minister Simon Bridges said all departures had been suspended while aircraft aloft were being landed in a staggered fashion, with air traffic control able to communicate with the planes via radio contact. He said there was no compromise to the safety of passengers or the planes.

Air New Zealand spokeswoman Marie Hosking said at 4 p.m. local time that all flights remained grounded.

She said that when flights resumed, they would begin in a staggered way with international flights given priority, followed by larger domestic jet flights.