Sunita Somvanshi
Qantas Flight QF122: Flames, Loud Bangs, and a Safe Landing in Christchurch
A Qantas flight heading from Queenstown to Sydney turned back on Saturday after a problem developed with one of its engines shortly after takeoff. The aircraft landed safely in Christchurch, and nobody was hurt.
The flight, QF122, is a trans-Tasman service operated by a Boeing 737-800. It was carrying approximately 158 passengers and crew when the crew reported a suspected engine issue and diverted the aircraft.
People on the ground near Queenstown and passengers on board described hearing loud banging sounds and seeing flames coming from the left engine. This happened not long after the plane had lifted off.
Rather than continuing across the Tasman Sea toward Sydney, the pilots turned toward Christchurch. The flight landed there approximately 50 minutes after the issue first occurred. Qantas operates regular Christchurch–Sydney services, so it is a practical and equipped stop for a trans-Tasman diversion.
Qantas confirmed the incident and said: “One of our flights to Sydney experienced a suspected engine issue after take-off from Queenstown this afternoon and the aircraft diverted to Christchurch. Our pilots are highly trained to manage situations like this and the aircraft landed safely.” The airline said it is arranging accommodation and alternative flights for affected passengers.
New Zealand’s Civil Aviation Authority initially attributed the incident to a bird strike, but subsequently updated its position, saying the cause of the engine incident remains under investigation. Both engines remained operating throughout the diversion and no engine shutdown occurred. Qantas described the event as a suspected engine issue, and further technical findings from the investigation have not been made public.
What is not yet known: The detailed technical sequence of the engine event and the extent of any engine damage remain to be established through the CAA’s formal investigation.
Summary: QF122 diverted safely to Christchurch on Saturday after a suspected engine issue shortly after departing Queenstown. All 158 passengers and crew are safe. New Zealand’s Civil Aviation Authority initially attributed the incident to a bird strike before updating its position to say the cause remains under investigation.
