A Qantas plane forced to make U-turn 20 minutes into flight

A Qantas aircraft out of Perth was forced to make a U-turn just 20 minutes into a flight after a “technical issue” was detected on board the plane.

A Qantas aircraft out of Perth was forced to make a U-turn mid-flight just 20 minutes after takeoff due to a “technical issue” with the plane.

Flight QF648 bound for Sydney presented a “warning light” shortly after takeoff and, according to Qantas, the pilot made the decision to turn the Boeing 737 around.

The aircraft, which landed safely at Perth airport, is now back in the air on Friday.

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The flight had to turn back because of a technical issue, but turns out it was a false alarm

“A Qantas aircraft performed an air return to Perth yesterday due to a minor mechanical issue,” a spokesperson told news.com.au, noting passengers were put on alternate flights that same day.

“The aircraft landed normally and without incident.”

It is understood the mechanical issue which lead to the flight returning to Perth was a false indication warning light in the cockpit.

A Qantas flight (not pictured) was forced to turn around just 20 minutes into a trip from Perth to Sydney. Picture: NCA NewsWire / James Gourley

Passengers however were quick to take to Twitter, saying the pilot’s announcement were “words you never want to hear on a plane”.

“Twenty minutes into my Qantas Perth to Sydney flight the pilot says ‘We’re turning around back to Perth because something’s wrong,” he said.

“(The pilot) insists the plane’s safe. Just needs to be sorted out on the ground.”

It is understood passengers were put on alternate flights on the same day.

“Qantas engineers have inspected the aircraft and it has been cleared to fly today.

“All passengers were re-accommodated on flights yesterday.”