Qantas Flight Diverts to Christchurch After Engine Flare-Up

A Qantas flight from Queenstown, New Zealand, to Sydney faced a dramatic mid-air incident that required an emergency diversion on Saturday. Passengers aboard flight QF122 were met with alarming sights as flames appeared to shoot from the aircraft's left engine shortly after take-off.

The Boeing aircraft, which had departed the picturesque ski town shortly before 3:30 PM, was scheduled to land in Sydney at 4:50 PM. However, the airline confirmed that the flight encountered a "suspected engine issue," prompting pilots to divert to Christchurch for a priority landing.

Witness Liam Aspinall, who was enjoying a drink with friends in Queenstown at the time, recalled the unsettling sight, saying, "I noticed flames appearing to come off the thing as it was approaching us from afar." Fortunately, the Qantas spokesperson reassured that both engines remained operational throughout the flight, with no shutdown or failure reported.

In light of the incident, Qantas is providing support to the affected passengers, offering accommodation and assistance with alternative travel arrangements. The airline emphasized the expertise of their pilots in handling such situations, ensuring that all aboard landed safely.

Source: www.abc.net.au