Boeing 737: Virgin Airlines flight emergency lands after catching fire moments after leaving airport with aircraft sounding like 'it was coming apart'

Flames were spotted coming from the plane’s engine shortly after it left Queenstown Airport in New Zealand. Witnesses reported hearing "loud bangs" as the Boeing aircraft flew over Queenstown.

The Virgin Airlines VA148 flight to Melbourne took off from Queenstown Airport around 6pm, and was diverted to Invercargill Airport, located in the south of New Zealand. The aircraft made an emergency landing with "no visible flames".

A number of passengers onboard claim the Boeing 737 aircraft hit a bird just after take-off. Witnesses claim that the plane "sounded like it was coming apart" before flames erupted.

A Queenstown Airport spokeswoman said: "Virgin Australia flight VA148 departed Queenstown Airport at 5.59pm, bound for Melbourne. It experienced an issue just after takeoff and has been diverted to Invercargill Airport." A spokesperson for Virgin Australia added the airline is yet to establish the cause of the incident.

They said: "We are aware of reports involving a Virgin Australia aircraft. We are working to establish details and will provide an update as soon as possible."

One witness who posted footage of the incident on social media wrote: "Sounded like it was coming apart over our house. One engine was throwing flames and sputtering out."