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Virgin Australia flight makes emergency landing in Newcastle

Passengers on-board a Virgin Australia flight which was forced to make an emergency landing at Newcastle Airport are being bussed to Sydney after a warning light was activated in the plane’s cargo hold.

A full scale emergency is launched at Newcastle Airport as Virgin plane forced to land full of passengers. Picture by Peter Lorimer
A full scale emergency is launched at Newcastle Airport as Virgin plane forced to land full of passengers. Picture by Peter Lorimer

Passengers on-board a Virgin Australia flight that made an emergency landing in Newcastle are being bussed to Sydney.

Flight VA938 was forced to land at Newcastle Airport just after midday when a warning light was activated in the plane’s cargo hold.

Four Fire and Rescue NSW crews and six ambulances were called to the scene to assess the aircraft and the passengers on-board.

Flight VA938 landed safely at Newcastle Airport just after midday. Picture: Peter Lorimer
Flight VA938 landed safely at Newcastle Airport just after midday. Picture: Peter Lorimer
A Virgin Australia spokesperson said a full investigation would be carried out. Picture: Peter Lorimer
A Virgin Australia spokesperson said a full investigation would be carried out. Picture: Peter Lorimer

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“There have been no injuries and passengers appear calm as they disembark from the flight,” a NSW Ambulance spokeswoman said.

Virgin Australia confirmed the plane, which was due to arrive in Sydney from Brisbane at 12:40pm, landed safely and emergency services were called as a precautionary measure.

“The safety of our guests and crew is our number one priority and we will be commencing a full investigation into the incident.,” a Virgin Australia spokesperson said.

After disembarking the aircraft, passengers were loaded onto buses to be taken to Sydney.

Some of those on board have taken to social media to vent their frustration about the situation.

Four fire crews were called onto the tarmac at Newcastle Airport to assess the plane. Picture: Peter Lorimer
Four fire crews were called onto the tarmac at Newcastle Airport to assess the plane. Picture: Peter Lorimer

“Apparently when you have 170 passengers to get to Sydney you can not separate the buses up to make an airport bus, a town hall bus etc…,” Helen Palsson tweeted.

“Thankful for the safe landing in Newcastle after a #mayday call on#VA938 but please give us buses by destination @VirginAustralia.”

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/virgin-australia-flight-makes-emergency-landing-in-newcastle/news-story/5806c039ac570d6c2c751d5d73e9c4f0