Queenstown, New Zealand: A Qantas Boeing 737-800 operating flight QF122 from Queenstown to Sydney diverted to Christchurch on September 5, 2026 after an engine issue shortly after takeoff, with witnesses reporting multiple loud bangs and bursts of flames from the aircraft’s left engine. The aircraft landed safely at Christchurch Airport, where emergency services were waiting as a precaution. The New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority initially attributed the incident to a bird strike but later updated its position, saying it was still investigating the cause of the engine incident.
QF122 departed Queenstown Airport bound for Sydney on Saturday afternoon. Flight-tracking data shows the aircraft, identified as Boeing 737-800 registration VH-VZQ, departed at about 4:05 p.m. local time, later diverting to Christchurch instead of continuing to Sydney. Tracking data records the aircraft as landing at Christchurch at about 5:07 p.m.
The aircraft encountered the problem shortly after takeoff from Queenstown. Ground witnesses reported hearing a series of loud bangs as flames appeared to come from the aircraft’s left engine while it climbed away from the airport. Video showed the aircraft over the Queenstown area, with resident Luke Pace describing seeing “fireballs” coming from one of the engines.
Passenger told Chris Lynch Media, “We heard a few consecutive loud explosions and looked out the window to see the Qantas plane blowing fireballs from one of the engines, coinciding with each bang.” He said he heard approximately four or five explosions before the aircraft appeared to steady after about a minute.
Other witnesses also described the unusual sequence. Mark Venning, who was driving along Frankton Road, told Stuff that he heard sharp popping noises “like loud gunshots” before seeing orange flames coming from the left engine. Brothers Daniel and Campbell Longmire, who were in Frankton, also saw the aircraft. Campbell said the engine initially appeared to spit flames once before producing approximately six or seven bursts accompanied by loud bangs. Daniel said the noise was extremely loud and echoed across the valley.
The aircraft subsequently diverted to Christchurch Airport. A full emergency response was arranged ahead of its arrival, including multiple Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews and five ambulances. St John New Zealand’s national ambulance service said it was notified at 4:25 p.m. and that “Multiple ambulance resources have responded to Christchurch Airport as a standard procedure.”
The aircraft landed safely at Christchurch and passengers were able to disembark. There were no reports of injuries among 158 passengers or crew onboard.
Qantas confirmed that the flight had experienced an engine problem but did not identify the specific cause. A Qantas spokesperson said, “One of our flights to Sydney experienced a suspected engine issue after take-off from Queenstown this afternoon and the aircraft diverted to Christchurch.” The airline added, “Our pilots are highly trained to manage situations like this and the aircraft landed safely.”
Qantas also acknowledged the impact on passengers, saying, “We know this would have been a distressing experience for passengers and will be contacting all customers to provide support.” The airline said affected passengers would be provided with accommodation and rebooked on other flights.
The Civil Aviation Authority’s position on the cause requires particular care. While a bird strike was initially identified by the CAA, it should not currently be presented as the confirmed cause. The latest position available is that the CAA is investigating what caused the engine incident. Qantas itself has described the event only as a “suspected engine issue.”
