A Virgin Australia Boeing 737-800 jet bound for Melbourne, Australia, made a safe landing at Invercargill airport in New Zealand after one of its engines caught fire, according to the nation's fire service. The incident led to the plane being diverted from its original route.
Upon arrival in Invercargill, fire trucks were on standby to meet the aircraft, which landed approximately 50 minutes after departing from Queenstown. The cause of the engine fire and the exact number of passengers on board the flight remain unknown at this time, as stated by a spokesperson from Queenstown Airport.
Virgin Australia, in an emailed statement, suggested that the engine fire might have been the result of a potential bird strike. The airline is expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to determine the exact cause.
Queenstown, a popular tourist destination on New Zealand's South Island, is renowned for its skiing opportunities, adventure tourism, and stunning alpine landscapes. The city, with a population of 53,000, attracts visitors from around the world seeking outdoor adventures and natural beauty.
