MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) – A Qantas flight originating from Sydney successfully landed in New Zealand on Friday after the crew issued a mayday call due to a suspected fire in the aircraft's cargo hold.

The incident occurred when Flight 141, a Boeing 737, was approximately one hour away from its designated landing point at Auckland Airport. In response to the mayday call, emergency services were deployed and positioned on the tarmac in anticipation of the flight's arrival.

Despite the alarm, the aircraft touched down at Auckland without any issues. Following the landing, there were no indications of smoke inside the cabin and, importantly, no reports of injuries among the passengers or crew.

The Sydney-based airline provided a statement clarifying that the initial concern about a potential fire was determined to be a false alarm. A preliminary investigation conducted shortly after the landing found no evidence of any fire-related issues.

As a precautionary measure, the aircraft will undergo a thorough inspection to ascertain the underlying cause of the alarm. This response is part of Qantas’s commitment to passenger safety and operational integrity, ensuring that all safety protocols are strictly followed in such situations.

This incident highlights the critical nature of communication in aviation, particularly in emergency situations. The swift actions of the flight crew and the efficient response from emergency services contributed to a safe landing and the well-being of those onboard.

The events of Flight 141 serve as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced in the aviation industry, where any potential issue, no matter how minor it may ultimately appear, is treated with the utmost seriousness and diligence.

As Qantas continues to investigate the incident further, the airline is likely to review its procedures and protocols, ensuring that all necessary measures are in place to prevent similar situations in the future.