A Qantas plane has landed safely in Christchurch after flames appeared to burst from one of its engines shortly after taking off from Queenstown this afternoon.
Flight QF122 was travelling from Queenstown to Sydney when it was diverted to Christchurch.
Footage captured by 1News showed bursts of flames appearing from the aircraft's left engine as it climbed skyward away from Queenstown Airport.
The service had been scheduled to take off from Queenstown at 3.35pm and arrive in Sydney at 4.50pm (local time).
Video captured flames bursting from the plane’s left engine as it departed Queenstown Airport. (Source: 1News)
A Queenstown Airport spokesperson confirmed the flight was diverted to Christchurch shortly after take-off.
"QF122 was diverted to Christchurch soon after departure from Queenstown Airport this afternoon," the spokesperson said.
"Queenstown Airport remains operational."
Footage showed the plane landing safely in Christchurch around 5pm, with smoke appearing to come from its left engine.
Emergency crews could be seen waiting on the tarmac as the aircraft arrived.
It was not immediately clear what had caused the flames.
Qantas has been approached for comment.
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