Air New Zealand A321neo Aborts Takeoff in Christchurch After Birdstrike

Flight crew of an Air New Zealand A321neo departing for Brisbane rejected takeoff in Christchurch after reportedly sustaining birdstrikes to both engines on 6 December.

An Air New Zealand Airbus A321neo departing for Brisbane aborted its takeoff in Christchurch following a birdstrike on Monday, 6 January 2025.

Air New Zealand flight NZ207, operated by an Airbus A321neo was conducting a departure from Christchurch International Airport (CHC). The flight was to be a scheduled service to Brisbane International Airport (BNE).

Air New Zealand Aborted Takeoff Christchurch

Flight track of Air New Zealand NZ207 Christchurch to Brisbane.

During the takeoff roll, the aircraft sustained bird strikes, resulting in flight crew carrying out a rejected takeoff.

According to the local news source RNZ, a passenger aboard the flight confirmed that the incident occurred during the aircraft’s initial acceleration.

The rejected takeoff procedure was then carried out and the aircraft was brought to a stop on the runway. According to the passenger, they were later advised that the aircraft sustained bird strikes to both engines.

Air New Zealand chief operational integrity and safety officer Captain David Morgan explained that flight crew followed standard operational procedure. A full inspection of the aircraft would be conducted by airline engineering personnel for it is released to operational service.

Flight Details

Flight data shows that flight NZ207 had commenced its departure from Christchurch International Airport at 0615 local time on the morning of Monday, 6 January.

The aircraft conducting the scheduled service to Brisbane International Airport was an Airbus A321neo, registered ZK-NND.

Michael Coghlan, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This is a 5.9 year old narrowbody aircraft belonging to the national carrier Air New Zealand. It has been in operational service with the airline since its initial delivery from the factory in February 2019.

The aircraft was involved in a prior incident on 26 September 2024 at Wellington. In that incident, the aircraft sustained a tail strike after a hard landing.

Following the landing incident, flight crew conducted a go around and divert to Auckland International airport. The aircraft was then returned to service on 7 October 2024.