Qantas plane diverted after suspected engine issue

A Sydney-bound Qantas flight from Queenstown in New Zealand was forced to divert after footage taken shortly after take-off showed flames shooting out from one side of the plane. An airline spokesperson confirmed that flight QF122 experienced a suspected engine issue mid-flight on Saturday and had to divert to Christchurch. One of the airline's flights to Sydney encountered an engine problem after leaving Queenstown this afternoon, and the aircraft safely landed there.

The Boeing aircraft had departed the alpine ski town just before 3:30 pm and was scheduled to arrive at Kingsford Smith Airport at 4:50 pm. The airline stated that both engines remained operational throughout the incident, with no engine shutdown or failure. A passenger named Liam Aspinall witnessed the flames approaching the plane from a distance and described the sound as loud, akin to gunshots.

The airline is providing support to passengers, including accommodation and assistance with alternative flights, acknowledging the distressing experience.