Virgin Australia flight diverts to New Zealand after suspected bird strike
- A Virgin Australia flight was forced to make an emergency landing in New Zealand.
- The incident was suspected to be caused by a bird strike that led to flames emerging from the aircraft.
- Passengers and crew were reported to be safe after the ordeal.
A Virgin Australia plane made an emergency landing in New Zealand due to a suspected bird strike causing one of its engines to catch fire shortly after takeoff. The Boeing 737-800 jet was carrying 67 passengers and six crew. The flight landed safely in Invercargill Airport about 50 minutes after departing from Queenstown. Passengers were accommodated in Invercargill overnight and were expected to be booked on alternative flights to Australia. The incident is believed to have been caused by a bird strike, with flames seen shooting from the engine. Emergency services were on the ground to assist, and there were no reported physical injuries to passengers or crew. The airline expressed appreciation for the support received during the response effort.