Flight QF168 from Christchurch to Melbourne. Photo: Screenshot / Flightradar24
A Qantas flight destined for Melbourne has departed from - and returned to - Christchurch twice in one day, in what the airline says are unrelated events.
The Boeing 737-838 first took off about 6.45am on Monday, before turning around over the Tasman Sea and returning to Christchurch Airport.
A Qantas spokesperson said pilots chose to return due to an issue with their radio, which was fixed by engineers before the aircraft was cleared to take off again.
But following a second departure, about 9.40am, the plane again turned back to Christchurch, this time due to an unusual smell in the cabin, landing back in Christchurch about an hour later.
The spokesperson said the two incidents were unrelated, and the pilots had followed standard procedures. While the travellers who were affected would be offered other flights via Auckland today.
