Engineers are investigating why an Air New Zealand Airbus A320 lost power in one engine on Thursday evening, forcing the flight from Melbourne to Auckland to turn back and make an emergency landing. The aircraft, carrying 145 passengers and six crew, landed safely with airport emergency services on standby shortly before 8pm.
Passengers described a rocky flight and growing unease as crew began clearing the emergency rows. 'You think something's not right here, they are preparing for the worst,' said passenger Tobias Haque. Another passenger told the ABC: 'A very rocky flight, it felt like a wing was going to fall off. It didn't feel safe at all.'
New Zealand comedian Michele A'Court, who was on board, tweeted: 'Took off. Engine stopped working. Turned around and landed back in Melbourne. Quite full on.' Fellow comedian Jeremy Elwood noted that the atmosphere remained calm and the landing was standard, though he could tell something was wrong when the plane circled after take‑off.
Crew apologised after landing for not explaining the situation sooner, saying they were too busy. An Air New Zealand spokesman confirmed engineers are investigating the fault, but dismissed reports of a fuel leak as incorrect. Passengers have been rebooked on alternative flights on Friday.
