Virgin Australia plane diverted

A Virgin Australia flight to Darwin was forced to return to Sydney this morning after odours of smoke were detected.

A Virgin Australia plane flying to Darwin was forced to turn back to Sydney this morning after odours of smoke were detected by flight crew on the aircraft.

A Virgin Australia spokesman confirmed the plane — flight VA1280 — made a precautionary return to Sydney Airport about half an hour into the flight after the smell of smoke was detected from one of the lavatories on board.

The plane landed back at Sydney airport at about 11am. Passengers have since been moved onto another plane to complete their journey to Darwin.

Virgin Australia is investigating the cause of the smoke.

“The aircraft landed safely and without incident. Guests are now on their way to Darwin and we apologise for the delay,” the Virgin spokesman said.

“As per standard operating procedure we have notified the ATSB and we will await the outcome of their review before providing further comment.”

It’s the second time this year that a Virgin plan has had abort its flight after the smell of smoke was detected in the cabin.

In February, Virgin flight VA1280, which was travelling from Hamilton Island, was diverted to Brisbane when the pilot detected an unusual odour in the front galley.