{
  "id": 5970769,
  "title": "'Traumatic': Qantas plane diverted after mid-air flames",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/traumatic-qantas-plane-diverted-after-mid-air-flames",
  "topic": null,
  "section": null,
  "published": "2026-09-06T08:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Discovered",
    "slug": "discovered",
    "url": "https://dailyadvertiser.com.au/story/9344784/traumatic-qantas-plane-diverted-after-mid-air-flames"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A Qantas flight en route from Queenstown to Sydney was forced to make an emergency landing in Christchurch on Saturday afternoon due to suspected engine trouble. The Boeing 737, QF122, was climbing above the South Island's mountain ranges when a loud bang shook the cabin and flames erupted from the left engine, according to passenger Liza-Jayne Loch. The cabin lights flickered as the flames appeared to issue in rapid bursts from the plane's left engine. Passengers screamed in terror, but the flight crew remained calm and reassuring. QF122 touched down in Christchurch about 52 minutes after take-off, shortly before 5pm local time. Both engines were believed to have remained operational throughout the flight. Emergency services were on standby at the airport, and passengers were allowed to disembark normally following a brief wait. Qantas spokespersons stated that the plane had suffered an engine issue and that pilots were well-trained to handle such situations, ensuring a safe landing. Affected passengers were provided with accommodation and complimentary flights to Sydney. While Ms Loch described the experience as \"traumatic,\" she expressed gratitude for the crew's support during the ordeal.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}