An Air New Zealand Boeing 737 carrying 110 passengers turned back to Christchurch a few minutes after take-off today, following a suspected birdstrike.
A bird apparently hit the left wing of Flight NZ532, which was headed for Auckland.
Air New Zealand said the Boeing 737 landed back in Christchurch to be inspected by engineers, and the passengers were switched to another plane to continue their journey.
An Air New Zealand plane landed safely at Wellington airport last Wednesday, despite one engine being shut down, also by a birdstrike.
NZPA