Flight QF122 had just left Queenstown in New Zealand on Saturday when it was diverted over what the airline said was a "suspected engine issue".
A witness on the ground said he saw “six or seven flame bursts” emanate from the plane’s engine and heard “loud bangs” during the incident ...
It is understood the plane experienced an engine issue.
A passenger aboard a Qantas flight diverted to Christchurch has described the frightening ordeal after flames and sparks were seen coming from an engine shortly after take-off.