This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.
Summary
- VA148 from Queenstown safely diverted to Invercargill due to birdstrike; no injuries were reported onboard the Boeing 737 NG.
- Invercargill Airport is frequently used as a safe diversion point from Queenstown.
- Queenstown is described as a challenging airport due to its stunning but rugged terrain.
Australia-bound passengers onboard a flight departing Queenstown International Airport (ZQN) have been diverted to Invercargill Airport after the flight allegedly encountered an airstrike on departure, leading to reports of flames being seen from the engine. VA148 has since landed safely at the southernmost controlled airport in the commonwealth (Invercargill), and there have been no reports of injuries onboard. The aircraft is a ten-year-old Boeing 737 NG, registration VH-YIV, serial number 40698.
VA148 departed from the resort destination of Queenstown, which is renowned for its beautiful scenery, and ZQN is claimed to be one of the most challenging airports to arrive at and depart from in the world. The flight pushed back at 17:59, just ahead of its expected departure of 18:00; however, after encountering an alleged birdstrike, the flight was quickly diverted to Invercargill, a typical diversion airport from Central Otago, due to its calm conditions and long runway (2,210 meters / 7,250 feet),
Photo: Steve Worner | Shutterstock
Photo: messi50mm | Shutterstock
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