QUEENSTOWN, New Zealand — A Sydney-bound Qantas flight from Queenstown diverted safely to Christchurch on Saturday after a suspected engine issue, with witness video appearing to show flames from one engine after takeoff, ABC News reported.
Flight QF122 left shortly before 3:30 p.m. local time. Qantas said both engines kept running, there was no engine shutdown or failure, and the Boeing received a priority landing. A spokesperson said pilots are trained for such situations and the aircraft landed safely; passengers were offered accommodation and rebooking help.
Witness Liam Aspinall told ABC he saw flames approaching from a distance and heard loud bangs “like gunshots.” The airline said the experience would have been distressing and that support was being provided.
Sources: ABC News.
