An international flight has been forced to make an emergency landing in Queensland after a medical emergency on board. Air New Zealand flight ANZ81, travelling from Auckland to Hong Kong, diverted its course almost four hours into its journey, turning sharply near Rockhampton and heading towards Brisbane Airport.
Flight details and diversion
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner departed Auckland at approximately 10:30 AM local time and was scheduled to land in Hong Kong around 3:00 PM local time. However, about four hours into the flight, the aircraft changed course near Rockhampton and made its way to Brisbane. The flight was expected to dump fuel before landing to reduce the aircraft's weight to below its maximum landing weight, a standard procedure to avoid damage during an emergency landing.
Medical emergency confirmed
Brisbane Airport has confirmed that a medical emergency was the reason for the sudden diversion. The flight touched down in Brisbane just before 1:00 PM local time. Air New Zealand has been contacted for comment but has not yet provided further details. Emergency services were on standby at the airport to assist with the situation.
The flight path, tracked by Flightradar, showed the aircraft turning around near Rockhampton before heading to Brisbane. Passengers are expected to be accommodated on alternative flights to Hong Kong once the situation is resolved. More details are expected to emerge as the airline releases an official statement.
