A Qantas flight from Queenstown to Sydney was diverted to Christchurch on Saturday after flames were reportedly seen coming from one of its engines shortly after take-off.
Flight QF122 left Queenstown Airport at about 3.25pm local time on September 5, bound for Sydney. The Boeing 737-800 was then redirected north to Christchurch, where it landed safely.
Witnesses in the Queenstown area reported hearing several loud bangs as the aircraft climbed, with flames visible from an engine. Footage shared online appeared to show flashes of fire beneath the wing.
The cause of the incident has not been confirmed. Reports of a possible bird strike or compressor stall have not been verified by Qantas or aviation authorities.
The flight had been scheduled to arrive at Sydney Airport at about 4.50pm Australian Eastern Standard Time. It was not immediately clear how long passengers would be delayed or whether a replacement aircraft would operate the onward journey.
