A Jetstar flight bound for the coastal town of Ballina was dramatically forced to turn back over the Bass Strait this morning following a suspected issue with its landing gear.
Flight JQ458, which departed Melbourne's Tullamarine Airport, had been in the air for approximately 45 minutes when the potential malfunction was identified, prompting the pilots to make the critical decision to return.
The Airbus A320 then entered a holding pattern, circling for nearly two hours over the ocean to safely burn off a significant amount of fuel. This standard procedure is crucial to minimise the risk of fire and allow for a safer landing weight.
Passengers reported a tense atmosphere onboard as the nature of the situation became clear. Despite the anxiety, the crew were praised for their professionalism and clear communication throughout the ordeal.
Emergency services, including fire crews and ambulances, were placed on standby at Melbourne Airport as a precaution. The aircraft eventually touched down without incident at approximately 11:20 am, to the immense relief of all onboard.
A Jetstar spokesperson confirmed the incident, stating: "The pilots decided to return to Melbourne following a potential issue with the landing gear. The aircraft landed normally and our engineers will now inspect the aircraft."
The airline has apologised for the disruption and is working to re-accommodate affected passengers on alternative services throughout the day.
