Private jet makes emergency landing at Christchurch Airport

The plane circled while emergency services were on standby at Christchurch Airport. Photo / Flight Radar

A private jet has had to make an emergency landing at Christchurch Airport.

Emergency services are on the scene after the Garden City Helicopters-owned jet made an abrupt turnaround midflight before returning.

Christchurch Airport spokesperson Sean Tully said there was a technical issue with the plane shortly after takeoff.

The plane was just over 20 minutes into its flight, to an unknown destination, when it alerted Christchurch Airport operations that it needed to return.

A spokesperson for Fire and Emergency said they were on standby while the plane circled.

They said they had two trucks on the scene.

Today is Christchurch Airport’s busiest day of the year as people travel for the holidays.

More to come.