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Bird Strike Grounds Air New Zealand Flight at Christchurch Airport

Christchurch, New Zealand – Monday, January 6, 2025


An Air New Zealand flight bound for Brisbane was abruptly halted during takeoff at Christchurch International Airport early Monday morning after suffering a bird strike to both engines.

Flight NZ207, an Airbus A321neo (registration ZK-NND), was accelerating on runway 20 when the incident occurred. According to ADS-B data, the aircraft reached a ground speed of approximately 140 knots before the takeoff was rejected. Passengers on board described hearing a loud bang just moments before the plane braked sharply and came to a stop.

Passenger Ben Anderson recounted the moment, saying, "Everything felt normal as we started to accelerate. Then suddenly there was a bang, the brakes engaged, the front wheel came down, and we were in full reverse. One of the wheels seemed to skid slightly, but we eventually came to a stop."

Following the aborted takeoff, the aircraft taxied back to the terminal. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew.

Air New Zealand’s Chief Operational Integrity and Safety Officer, Captain David Morgan, confirmed the bird strike and commended the flight crew for their swift response. "The pilots followed standard procedure after experiencing a suspected bird strike," said Morgan. "Our engineering teams will complete a full aircraft inspection before the plane can return to service."

Captain Morgan emphasized that while bird strikes are "frustrating but not uncommon," modern aircraft are designed to handle such scenarios, and pilots are thoroughly trained to respond effectively.

As a result of the incident, flight NZ207 to Brisbane was canceled, along with the return flight NZ272 from Brisbane to Wellington. Most affected passengers were rebooked on alternative flights scheduled for later in the day.

The Airbus A321neo involved in the incident was manufactured in 2019 and is powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1133G-JM engines. Initial reports indicate the extent of damage to the aircraft is still unknown.

The event serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by wildlife to aviation safety, even as aircraft are equipped to mitigate such risks.

Confidence Rating

The information provided is based on news reports and social media sources, which may not always be fully verified. This analysis is a self-effort and does not reflect official statements or conclusions. As such, the confidence rating for this data is considered unofficial and subject to further investigation.

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Location: Christchurch International Airport (CHC) 30 Durey Road, Harewood, Christchurch 8053, New Zealand

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