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September 5, 2026 \u2014 5:01pm<\/p>\n
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Remove items from your saved list<\/a> to add more.<\/p>\n AAA<\/p>\n A Qantas passenger plane bound for Sydney has been diverted after flames appeared to be spitting from the engine mid-flight.<\/p>\n The airline confirmed that QF122 from Queenstown to Sydney had experienced a suspected engine issue after a video showed fire emerging out of the plane\u2019s left engine as it took off over the mountains on New Zealand\u2019s South Island.<\/p>\n Queenstown residents reported hearing loud bangs from the ground, with one witness telling Stuff, a New Zealand media outlet, they heard four or five \u201cmassive explosions\u201d as the 15-year-old Boeing 737 departed. Another said they witnessed several bursts of flame. This type of plane has a seating capacity of around 160.<\/p>\n Vision obtained by Nine News shows the fire erupting out of the plane as it takes off.<\/p>\n The plane, which was scheduled to arrive in Sydney on Saturday evening, was diverted to Christchurch where it landed safely about 5pm. A spokesperson for Christchurch International Airport said firefighters were stationed on the tarmac but said the precaution was standard practice for any inbound plane experiencing trouble.<\/p>\n A Qantas spokesperson said the plane experienced an engine issue and has since landed safely.<\/p>\n \u201cQF122 Queenstown to Sydney experienced a suspected engine issue after take-off from Queenstown this afternoon,\u201d the spokesperson said.<\/p>\n \u201cOur pilots are highly trained to manage situations like this and the aircraft landed safely. We know this would have been a distressing experience for passengers and will be contacting all customers to provide support.\u201d<\/p>\n Be the first to know when major news happens. Sign up for breaking news alerts<\/a> on email or turn on notifications in the app.<\/p>\n Save<\/p>\n You have reached your maximum number of saved items.<\/p>\n Remove items from your saved list<\/a> to add more.<\/p>\n
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