A Jetstar flight from Melbourne to Launceston has been forced to turnaround mid-flight following issues with one of the aircraft systems.
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Owner of Launceston cafe Coffee Republic, Robin Smith, was one of the 179 passengers on board flight JQ741 which was turned around at 5.30pm Tuesday evening.
Mr Smith said the captain made an announcement saying ground crews had been advised there was an issue with one of the aircraft’s systems, requiring the flight to return to Melbourne.
A spokesperson for Jetstar confirmed there was a mechanical issue with the plane and that it was turned around as a precaution.
The spokesperson said there were more engineering resources available at Melbourne Tullamarine to resolve the issues.
The flight is now scheduled to leave Melbourne at 9.10pm.
At Launceston Airport, Examiner journalist Lucy Stone was due to fly to Melbourne on the same plane at 6.30pm before the unexpected turnaround.
Ms Stone said passengers were originally told traffic at Melbourne airport would delay the flight, before an announcement confirmed the turnaround.
Jetstar flight JQ74 has been rescheduled to leave Launceston at 11.55pm.
Jessica Willard
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
