A Fiji Airways flight from Christchurch to Nadi was forced to return and make an emergency landing this afternoon following an incident shortly after takeoff.
Fiji Airways said the plane encountered a bird strike.
Flight FJI450, a Boeing 737-800, departed Christchurch International Airport at 2:24 pm.
However, instead of continuing its journey to Fiji, the aircraft entered a prolonged circling pattern off the coast, dumping fuel for nearly two hours in preparation for its return.
Emergency services, including fire and rescue vehicles, were positioned on the tarmac as a precautionary measure ahead of the aircraft’s eventual landing.
