A Qantas flight bound for Sydney was diverted to Christchurch, New Zealand, on Saturday after passengers reported seeing flames emanating from one of the aircraft's engines. The incident occurred on flight QF122, which had departed Queenstown Airport at 3:25 p.m. local time.
Data from FlightAware indicated the plane was in the air for just over an hour before diverting. Footage shared by 1News appeared to show flames erupting from an engine on the left side of the aircraft as it ascended shortly after takeoff.
Qantas confirmed the diversion, with a spokesperson stating, "QF122 was diverted to Christchurch soon after departure from Queenstown Airport this afternoon." The airline has been contacted for further comment. Queenstown Airport operations were unaffected by the diversion.
The aircraft landed safely in Christchurch.
