Airspacenews.com

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 passen...