A Qantas plane bound for Sydney had to be diverted after flames were seen coming from one of the engines.

Flight QF122 departed on time from Queenstown, New Zealand, at 3.25pm on Saturday but was quickly diverted to Christchurch.

The aircraft reportedly experienced a suspected engine issue after take-off. 

It was in the air for just over an hour, according to data from monitoring website FlightAware.

Footage published by 1News showed flames coming from an engine on the left wing as the plane gained altitude shortly after departing Queenstown. 

The Qantas flight landed safely in Christchurch. The Daily Mail has contacted the airline for comment.

‘QF122 was diverted to Christchurch soon after departure from Queenstown Airport this afternoon,’ a spokesperson told 1News.

‘Queenstown Airport remains operational.’

Footage published by 1News showed flames coming from an engine on the left wing of a Qantas flight shortly after take-off

Flight QF122 departed on time from Queenstown, New Zealand, at 3.25pm on Saturday but was quickly diverted to Christchurch

The Qantas flight landed safely in Christchurch after just over an hour in the air