Qantas NZ flight diverted after fire detected on wing

Qantas Flight QF122 diverted to Christchurch after left engine flames appeared on 05 September
Aircraft departed Queenstown at 4:05 p.m. and landed safely 52 minutes later
Witnesses reported loud bangs and orange flames from the left engine
Qantas confirmed both engines operated throughout; no injuries reported
Civil Aviation Authority investigates cause; Qantas provided overnight accommodation and replacement flight

A Qantas Boeing 737-800 has diverted to Christchurch Airport after flames erupted from its left engine shortly after takeoff from Queenstown on 05 September. Flight QF122 departed Queenstown at approximately 4:05 p.m. local time bound for Sydney, but the crew requested a priority landing following the engine incident. The aircraft landed safely in Christchurch 52 minutes later, with no injuries reported among passengers or crew.

Witnesses on the ground reported loud bangs resembling gunshots and observed bursts of orange flames shooting from the left engine. Qantas confirmed both engines remained operating throughout the flight, with no engine shutdown or failure recorded. The airline dispatched engineers to Christchurch to inspect the aircraft. Initial reports suggested a possible bird strike, but New Zealand’s Civil Aviation Authority stated the exact cause remains under investigation. The aircraft carried passengers who later described the experience as traumatic.

Qantas provided overnight accommodation in Christchurch for all affected passengers. The airline arranged a complimentary replacement flight to Sydney on Sunday. The diversion occurred at Christchurch Airport, which handled the priority landing without incident. The investigation continues, with aviation authorities examining the engine components and flight data.

Qantas shared the aircraft was cleared for a priority landing at Christchurch, and both engines remained operating throughout, with no engine shutdown or failure experienced