Bird strike forces Air NZ plane back to Invercargill after take-off

NZ Herald

2 Oct, 2025 12:47 AMQuick Read

Subscribe to listenAccess to Herald Premium articles require a Premium subscription. Subscribe now to listen.Subscribe now

‌

SaveShare this articleCopy LinkEmailFacebookTwitter/XLinkedInReddit

A flight from Invercargill to Christchurch was forced to return shortly after take-off following a bird strike.

Air New Zealand Chief Safety and Risk Officer Nathan McGraw said the ATR 72-600 aircraft encountered the strike moments after departing Invercargill.

Air New Zealand Chief Safety and Risk Officer Nathan McGraw said
the ATR 72-600 aircraft encountered the bird strike moments after departing Invercargill.

“NZ5704 from Invercargill to Christchurch experienced a bird strike upon departing from Invercargill this morning,” McGraw said.

“The aircraft is currently being inspected by one of our engineers, and following that, it will be returned to service to complete the journey to Christchurch.