Christchurch, NZ – On Friday morning at approximately 7:45 am, Jetstar Flight JQ225 from Melbourne experienced a harrowing landing at Christchurch Airport. Freelance journalist Diana Clement, who was on board, described the incident as particularly alarming. “The plane veered off the runway onto the grass and then made a violent correction back onto the runway, finally stopping across it,” she reported to state media.

The flight crew attributed the mishap to a hydraulic leak on the aircraft’s right side, leaving passengers feeling unnerved. Clement noted that the flight had otherwise seemed normal, although some passengers reported hearing strange noises as the aircraft passed over New Plymouth and again during the landing sequence.

Jetstar confirmed that a steering issue at a low speed was responsible for the aircraft’s erratic behavior on the runway. In response, Christchurch Airport authorities have temporarily closed the runways to incoming flights, causing numerous cancellations and delays for domestic and international routes. Affected routes include flights from Tauranga, Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown, Palmerston North, and Singapore. Travellers are advised to consult the airport’s website for the latest updates.

Passenger Karin Small told state media that she was unaware of any issues until the plane’s tumultuous landing. “It was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. The aircraft skidded out, then briefly became airborne again before landing on the grass. Emergency responders were quick to arrive at the scene,” she said.

Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries. Emergency services promptly attended the scene, and the aircraft was later towed to the gate for passengers to disembark.