An Air New Zealand flight from Auckland – bound for Dunedin was forced to divert to Christchurch airport this evening.

A spokeswoman said flight NZ677 was diverted to Christchurch due to an engineering issue.

“Emergency services met the aircraft as a precaution, but everything is OK and passengers have disembarked safely and are being reaccomdated.”

The plane had an hydraulics leak.

A runway inspection was underway.

The aircraft was required to circle the city several times before landing without incident just after 7.30PM.

At least four other flights at Christchurch airport were delayed.

Airport Fire and Emergency crews remain near the aircraft as of 8.20PM.