Air NZ Gisborne-Auckland flight turned back after 'engine issue'

A flight bound for Auckland from Gisborne this morning has been turned around after experiencing an engine issue shortly after take-off.

Air New Zealand told 1News as per "standard operating procedures", the engines on flight NZ5166 were shut down and the aircraft returned to Gisborne where it landed safely after circling for a short time.

"The matter is now being investigated," it said.

Yesterday, an Air New Zealand flight from Wellington to Sydney was diverted to Auckland, also after an engine issue.

One passenger told rnz.co.nz the plane made a "rapid descent", while another said they heard "a grinding sound" from one of the engines.

Air New Zealand said this incident, which occurred on flight NZ249, was also being investigated.

"The safety of our customers and team is our utmost priority," the airline said.