# Qantas engine malfunction and emergency landing

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/qantas-engine-malfunction-and-emergency-landing
> Updated: 2026-09-07T21:52:57.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

A Qantas Boeing 737 flight, QF122, traveling from Queenstown to Sydney, was forced to make an emergency landing in Christchurch, New Zealand, after experiencing engine issues during ascent. Witnesses and passengers reported seeing intermittent bursts of orange flames and hearing loud noises described as being “like loud gunshots” coming from the left engine. 

Subsequent reports indicate that a bird strike is believed to have caused the engine malfunction. While the aircraft experienced these issues, both engines remained operational, and the plane landed safely without injury to passengers.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-07: Qantas flights face engine fire and smoke evacuation incidents

Qantas experienced two separate incidents: a Boeing 737 diverted to Christchurch after an engine fire suspected to be caused by a bird strike, and an Airbus A220 evacuation due to smoke from a ground vehicle.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/qantas-flights-face-engine-fire-and-smoke-evacuation-incidents

### 2026-09-05: Qantas flight forced to divert after engine flames and loud bangs

A Qantas Boeing 737 flight diverted to Christchurch, New Zealand, after witnesses and passengers reported flames and loud bangs coming from one of its engines during takeoff from Queenstown.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/qantas-flight-forced-to-divert-after-engine-flames-and-loud-bangs

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Cite as: Qantas engine malfunction and emergency landing. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/qantas-engine-malfunction-and-emergency-landing