Qantas flight diverted to Christchurch after flames seen from engine

Saturday 5 September 2026 · 4 outlets · 5 reports · updated Sat 5 Sep, 6:08pm

In this story Qantas

A Qantas flight from Queenstown to Sydney was diverted to Christchurch on Saturday afternoon following a suspected engine issue. Witnesses reported seeing flames and hearing loud bangs as the aircraft climbed after takeoff. The plane landed safely in Christchurch.

How they headlined it

4:43pm6:08pm

1. 1NewsSat 5 Sep, 4:43pm

   Flames appear to burst from Qantas plane engine over Queenstown (opens in new tab)

   • Qantas plane lands safely in Chch after flames seen from engine on takeoff (opens in new tab) Sat 5 Sep, 4:43pm
2. StuffSat 5 Sep, 4:54pm

   Qantas flight diverted after flames seen from engine (opens in new tab)

3. NZ HeraldSat 5 Sep, 5:02pm

   Flames seen, loud bangs heard as Qantas jet leaves Queenstown (opens in new tab)

4. The Press via RNZSat 5 Sep, 6:08pm

   ‘Burst of flames’ seen from Qantas plane out of Queenstown (opens in new tab)