Air NZ201 forced to return to Christchurch. Image: Flight Aware
An Air New Zealand flight to Brisbane was forced to return to Christchurch this morning due to engine problems.
According to the Flight Aware website NZ201, the plane left Christchurch on time at 6.25am today, and landed back in Christchurch at 9.43am — 3 hours 18 minutes later.
It was due to land in Brisbane at 7.10am local time.
Flight data shows the plane turned back to Christchurch over the Tasman Sea near the West Coast.
A passenger on board the plane sent a text message to their mother saying the plane had “engine problems” and was “flying around Christchurch for the next three hours trying to burn off fuel before they can land”.
An Air New Zealand spokesperson told Chris Lynch Media that, “NZ201 is returning to Christchurch due to engine maintenance requirements. Passengers will be rebooked on the next available service.”
“The issue posed no safety concern but the decision was made to return to Christchurch where we have the engineering capability to rectify it. We apologise to customers for the inconvenience,” the spokesperson said.
