Where is Santa on Christmas Eve?

Where is Santa on Christmas Eve?

Being Christmas Eve it's worth checking up on Santa's location - but Santa's not just made a list, he's made a flight plan.

It's the busiest time of year for airlines and airports, which makes it a very busy time for air traffic controllers.

But tonight, there's one blip on the radar that's just that little bit more special.

"Santa's coming down through Nadi -  he will come in to the north, then zig-zag his way down the country - he's pretty heavy this year too so must have lots of presents on board," says air traffic controller Allan London.

And as well as being heavier this year, Santa's also upgraded his sleigh's tracking technology.

"Santa has satellite and texting technology so we know exactly where he is, and he can send us any special messages ahead of his arrival," says Mr London.

And because of that precise satellite tracking, the controllers know who's been naughty or nice.

"Because of how precise the satellite tracking is these days, we can see who has been good and who has been bad," says Mr London.

It's not just the controllers getting ready for Santa's arrival. Zac Mackintosh usually fixes radio equipment at Auckland airport, but this Christmas he has an extra special task, laying out carrots for Rudolph and the other reindeer to help them get through the night.

Just after 6pm today, air traffic controllers confirmed Santa was getting closer to New Zealand, as he passed a flight heading to Hong Kong.

"Passengers on this flight, if they had been looking out the right of the aircraft, they may have seen a sleigh passing below them," says air traffic controller Marnie Pomeroy.

So if you've been a good boy or girl this year, don't worry, Santa's got you on his radar.

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