‘Full emergency response’ Qantas flight diverted to Christchurch after reported engine shutdown

Chris Lynch
Chris Lynch
Sep 05, 2026 4:45 pm |

5.00PM: The plane has landed safety 

4:40PM: A ‘full emergency response’ has been sent to Christchurch International Airport following reports of an engine shutdown on a Qantas international flight.

The Qantas flight was heading from Queenstown to Sydney, but has been diverted to Christchurch, due to a reported ‘engine shutdown.’

A Qantas spokeswoman said confirmed to chrislynchmedia.com the flight had been diverted, and more details would be made available soon.

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There are 158 people aboard, chrislynchmedia.com understands.

There were five ambulances at the airport.

Several Queenstown residents reported seeing flames coming from the plane.

A police spokeswoman told chrislynchmedia.com they were notified of the incident, but referred additional questions to the Civil Aviation Authority.

Multiple Fire and Emergency crews have been sent to the airport, along with ambulances.

More details to come.

Chris Lynch
Chris Lynch

Chris Lynch is a journalist, videographer and content producer, broadcasting from his independent news and production company in Christchurch, New Zealand. If you have a news tip or are interested in video content, email [email protected]

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