Qantas flight from Cairns diverted after reporting engine issue

A Qantas plane heading to Melbourne from Cairns has been forced to turn around mid-flight due to a reported issue with an engine.

A Cairns flight to Melbourne was diverted after reporting an engine issue.

A Qantas plane heading to Melbourne from Cairns has been forced to turn around mid-flight due to a reported issue with an engine.

The QF703 flight took off at 2.10pm on Tuesday before being diverted from Melbourne airport; the plane was scheduled to arrive in Melbourne at 4.20pm.

A Qantas spokesperson confirmed that the service returned to Cairns after pilots received a cockpit notification of a potential engine issue.

“The pilots followed standard procedures and requested a priority landing, but emergency services were not required and the aircraft landed safely and normally.”

The plane circled above Mackay several times before flying back to Cairns airport.

Qantas confirmed the customers on-board the diverted flight would be re-accommodated as soon as possible.