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‘The engine’s on fire’: Qantas flight from Queenstown to Sydney reroutes after flames seen by passengers

2 articles
2 sources
0% diversity
Updated 6.9.2026
Key Topics & People
engine fire *Qantas Queenstown Liza-Jayne Loch New Zealand

Coverage Framing

2
Human Interest(2)
Avg Factuality:75%
Avg Sensationalism:High

Story Timeline

Sep 6 Morning

2 articles|2 sources
qantas flightengine fireqantas plane engine fireaviation safetyengine flames
Human Interest(2)
The Guardian - World NewsSep 6

‘The engine’s on fire’: Qantas flight from Queenstown to Sydney reroutes after flames seen by passengers

A Qantas flight from Queenstown to Sydney, flight QF122, rerouted to Christchurch on Saturday afternoon due to a suspected engine issue. Passengers reported hearing a bang and seeing flames emanating from the left engine shortly after takeoff. The Boeing 737 landed safely in Christchurch approximately 52 minutes after departing Queenstown. Qantas engineers were sent to investigate the incident, and while the cause is undetermined, both engines are believed to have remained operational. Affected passengers were provided with accommodation and a complimentary flight to Sydney the following day.

Mixed toneFactual2 sources
Negative
Al JazeeraSep 6

Flames burst from Qantas plane engine after New Zealand takeoff

A Qantas flight traveling from Queenstown to Sydney experienced a significant incident shortly after takeoff. Flames were observed erupting from the aircraft's left engine. The article states this occurred during a terrifying moment for those aboard the flight. No further details regarding the cause of the engine issue or the immediate actions taken by the crew are provided in the content.

SensationalFactual
Negative

Key Claims

factual

Qantas flight QF122 from Queenstown to Sydney rerouted due to suspected engine issue.

statistic

The Boeing 737 landed safely in Christchurch about 52 minutes after takeoff.

— FlightAware

factual

Qantas sent engineers to Christchurch to investigate the incident.

factual

Flames erupted from the left engine of a Qantas flight.

factual

The Qantas flight was en route from Queenstown to Sydney.