A Qantas flight bound for Hong Kong was forced to return to Melbourne Airport shortly after departure this morning, prompting an emergency response.
Flight QF29, operated by an Airbus A330-300, took off from Melbourne before the crew requested to turn back.
Qantas has not yet disclosed the exact nature of the issue, but the airline confirmed that the decision was made out of caution.
In a statement to Daily Mail, Melbourne airport said that in line with aviation safety protocols, a ‘local standby’ was declared, a precautionary measure signalling the potential need for emergency assistance.
Fire and rescue crews were positioned at the airport as the aircraft made its return approach.
The plane landed safely without further incident and was towed to the gate, where passengers disembarked without issue.
It’s understood to have been caused by a hydraulic or technical issue.
More to come.
