Jetstar flight diverted back to Cairns after midair incident

Paramedics have been called to Cairns Airport after an international flight got diverted back after experiencing issues in the air. Jetstar sends message to impacted passengers.

A Jetstar flight has returned to Cairns after an incident. Picture: BRENDAN RADKE

Paramedics have been called to Cairns Airport after an international flight got diverted back after experiencing issues in the air.

According to airline records, Jetstar flight JQ15 took off from the international terminal at 12.33pm bound for Osaka when after takeoff the plane encountered problems and landed back in Cairns at 1.39pm.

The Boeing Boeing 787 aircraft flew a few loops over the airport while Queensland Ambulance Service arrived at the airport.

The route of the Jetstar flight JQ15.

A QAS spokesman said medics however were not required and no injuries have been reported.

“We were there for an abundance of caution for a flight coming in,” he said.

“It’s landed and everyone is OK.”

A short time ago the aircraft was on the tarmac of the international terminal and ground crews were unloading cargo from the plane.

In a statement Jetstar said the Boeing 787 experienced an issue with one of its engines shortly after takeoff this afternoon.

The Boeing 787 aircraft operated by Jetstar has returned to Cairns Airport after encountering engine problems. Picture: Arun Singh Mann

“The pilots followed standard procedure for this type of incident and returned to Cairns as a precaution,” a spokeswoman said.

“The aircraft landed normally a short time later.

“We appreciate this would have been unsettling for customers on board and we thank them for their cooperation and understanding.

“Our customer team is working hard to get customers on their way as soon as possible.”

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Originally published as Jetstar flight diverted back to Cairns after midair incident