Arabic version: تحويل مسار رحلة كانتاس إلى كرايستشرش بعد اشتباه بمشكلة في المحرك

According to ABC News, a Sydney-bound Qantas passenger flight from Queenstown, New Zealand, was diverted to Christchurch on Saturday after a suspected engine issue shortly after take-off.

Qantas said flight QF122 had experienced an incident mid-flight. A spokesperson said the aircraft diverted after take-off from Queenstown and landed safely in Christchurch. The airline said its pilots were highly trained to manage such situations.

Footage supplied to ABC News appeared to show flames coming from the aircraft’s left engine. The Boeing plane departed the alpine ski town shortly before 3:30pm and had been scheduled to arrive at Sydney’s Kingsford Smith Airport at 4:50pm.

Qantas said the aircraft was cleared for a priority landing in Christchurch. Both engines remained operating throughout the incident, the carrier said, and there was no engine shutdown or engine failure.

Liam Aspinall, who was in Queenstown with friends, told ABC News he saw flames as the plane approached from a distance. He said it was loud and sounded like gunshots. Qantas said support was being provided to passengers, including accommodation and assistance with alternative flights, recognising the experience would have been distressing.