Fiji Airways flight returns to Christchurch after bird strike

Thursday 9 October 2025 · 6 outlets · 7 reports · updated Thu 9 Oct 2025, 7:17pm

In this story Fire and Emergency New Zealand

A Fiji Airways flight bound for Nadi returned to Christchurch International Airport on Thursday after hitting a bird during take-off. The Boeing 737-800 circled above Canterbury for approximately two hours while emergency services were on standby. The aircraft landed safely shortly before 4.45pm.

How they headlined it

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1. StuffThu 9 Oct 2025, 3:01pm

   Flight bound for Fiji circling soon after takeoff from Christchurch, in apparent emergency (opens in new tab)

   • How passengers on flight in Christchurch bird strike incident reacted on board (opens in new tab) Thu 9 Oct 2025, 7:17pm
2. RNZThu 9 Oct 2025, 3:05pm

   Flight returns to Christchurch airport after reporting issue shortly after take-off (opens in new tab)

3. NZ HeraldThu 9 Oct 2025, 3:08pm

   Christchurch International Airport under full emergency for incoming flight (opens in new tab)

4. Otago Daily TimesThu 9 Oct 2025, 3:28pm

   Flight circling Christchurch Airport after initial emergency response (opens in new tab)

5. The PressThu 9 Oct 2025, 3:28pm

   Fiji Airways plane ‘in trouble’ after bird strike near Christchurch Airport (opens in new tab)

6. 1News via RNZThu 9 Oct 2025, 5:37pm

   Fiji Airways flight returns to Christchurch airport after bird strike (opens in new tab)