Qantas Flight Diverts to Christchurch After Engine Flames on Takeoff

A Boeing 737-800 operating flight QF122 from Queenstown to Sydney was forced to divert to Christchurch on September 5, 2026, after suffering a suspected engine issue shortly after takeoff. The full flight, carrying 158 passengers and crew, landed safely at Christchurch Airport at approximately 5:07 p.m. local time, according to flight-tracking data.

Qantas Flight Diverts to Christchurch After Engine Flames on Takeoff

Witnesses on the ground and passengers on board reported hearing multiple loud bangs and seeing bursts of flames erupting from the aircraft’s left engine as it climbed away from Queenstown Airport over New Zealand’s South Island. Ground onlookers compared the sounds to sharp popping noises like loud gunshots or massive explosions echoing across the valley, while more than 5,000 people tracked the aircraft’s progress on Flightradar24.

Passenger Experiences and Crew Response

Passengers described a frightening ordeal as the aircraft experienced rough conditions and repeated loud noises shortly after departure. Sydney-based nurse Ange Taranto, travelling with her husband Dave, stated that a flight attendant initially announced over the tannoy that the crew was experiencing a problem with the landing gear. However, the captain later informed passengers of engine troubles and the decision to divert straight to Christchurch.

Taranto, using in-flight Wi-Fi, sent a holiday video to her three young adult children just in case something happened. Passenger Rory McDonnell told NewsWire that the flight was definitely a frightening one, noting that constant bangs echoed every few seconds and caused panic and faint screaming in the cabin. Despite the uncertainty, passengers praised the flight crew. McDonnell stated that all credit to the Qantas flight crew and especially the pilot, praising their clear and reassuring communication. Upon landing safely in Christchurch, passengers broke into cheering, clapping, and applause before noticing emergency vehicles stationed on the tarmac.

Emergency Response and Investigation

Authorities at Christchurch International Airport mobilized a full emergency response, positioning firefighters on the tarmac as a standard precautionary procedure. St John New Zealand’s national ambulance service stated that multiple ambulance resources, including multiple Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews and five ambulances, responded to the airport after being notified at 4:25 p.m. There were no reports of injuries among the 158 occupants on board.

Sydney-based Kiwi nurse Ange Taranto (inset) was on board Qantas flight QF122 when it had an engine issue after taking off — Photo: NZ Herald

In a statement, Qantas confirmed that the flight experienced a suspected engine issue after takeoff.

One of our flights to Sydney experienced a suspected engine issue after take-off from Queenstown this afternoon and the aircraft diverted to Christchurch, a Qantas spokesperson said. Our 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.

While the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority initially pointed to a bird strike, it later updated its position to state that it is still investigating the exact cause of the engine incident.

Passenger Support and Accommodations

Following the emergency landing, affected passengers were provided with hotel accommodation for the night and assisted with rebooking on alternative flights. Passengers humorously noted having to fill out physical arrival cards despite never actually leaving the country during the diverted journey. Queenstown Airport confirmed that its facilities remained operational following the incident.