A Qantas aircraft travelling from Queenstown, New Zealand, to Sydney diverts to Christchurch after flames are reported coming from one of its engines shortly after take-off. The flight, listed as QF122 or QFA122 across sources, leaves Queenstown at about 3.25pm on Saturday and is quickly redirected.
Multiple outlets report that the diversion is linked to a suspected engine problem, with some describing visible flames or sparks from the engine area. Flightradar24 data is cited by one outlet as indicating the plane’s change of route to Christchurch Airport. Other coverage describes the incident more generally as a suspected engine issue, while still noting that the flight is diverted soon after departure.
While the accounts differ in emphasis—some foreground the sight of flames, others refer to a suspected mechanical issue—sources agree on the main facts: the flight departs Queenstown, encounters an engine-related incident soon after, and lands/diverts to Christchurch rather than continuing to Sydney.
