QF101 Sydney to Fiji: Qantas flight diverted after mechanical issue

Qantas has been hit with a second day of mayhem after a flight experiencing a potential “mechanical issue” was forced to turn around.

A Qantas flight from Sydney to Fiji, QF101, has been diverted back to Sydney due to a potential mechanical issue.

The flight departed Sydney Airport at 8.30am and spent almost two hours circling over the coast before landing again in Sydney at 10.50am.

FlightAware showed the Boeing 737 aircraft flying in loops mid-flight.

The flight returned to Sydney Airport as a precaution after “pilots received a fault indicator about a potential mechanical issue,” a Qantas spokesman said.

“The pilots followed standard procedures and the aircraft has landed normally in Sydney,” the spokesperson said.

“Engineers will examine the aircraft.

“We thank customers for their patience and we are working to get them on their way to Fiji as quickly as possible.

Now a Qantas flight from Sydney to Fiji, QF101, appears to have been diverted back to Sydney.
It's currently doing loops off the coast. pic.twitter.com/xrEl1jK4i6

— Josh Bavas (@JoshBavas) January 18, 2023

It comes less than 24 hours after another Qantas Boeing 737 issued a “mayday alert” indicating that the plane was in life-threatening danger.

Firefighters and paramedics rushed to Sydney airport to meet flight QF144 - which had 145 passengers on-board -about 2.10pm after one of it’s engines failed.

The alert was later downgraded to a PAN – possible assistance needed – and the pilot was able to land safely with just one engine.

More to come.