An Air New Zealand Airbus A320neo made an emergency landing at Auckland Airport due to engine issues on 1 December 2024. The flight was traveling from Wellington to Sydney when the engine malfunction occurred, forcing the crew to divert the aircraft.

Flight NZ 249, a regular service between Wellington International Airport and Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, was about an hour into its journey when the diversion occurred. Air New Zealand followed its standard procedures and safely landed the aircraft in Auckland. The airline rebooked passengers on the next available flight, and investigations into the engine problem began immediately.

The 5.8-year-old Airbus A320neo, fitted with Pratt & Whitney PW1000 engines, experienced the issue. These engines, though modern, have known durability issues. The airline’s aircraft are designed to operate safely on one engine, allowing for emergency diversions if needed.

Engine problems have affected Air New Zealand’s fleet, particularly the Pratt & Whitney GTF engines. Defects in engine parts led to grounding multiple aircraft for inspections. These durability concerns have caused disruptions in the airline’s operations.

Air New Zealand remains focused on ensuring passenger safety, even in situations like this. The airline continues to monitor engine performance and make adjustments to minimize disruptions.

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