Gratitude from passengers on a Virgin Australia flight to Melbourne, diverted to Invercargill

Flames were seen as the plane left Queenstown, after a suspected bird strike.

Herald reporter Vera Alves says passengers say they knew something was wrong, but didn't fear serious danger.

She says they're grateful to the crew everything went well, and to the Invercargill community for welcoming them.

Virgin Airlines will now inspect the aircraft to confirm it was a bird.