An Air New Zealand plane was forced to make an emergency landing in Queensland after a passenger suffered a medical emergency on the long-haul flight.
Flight ANZ81 was travelling from Auckland to Hong Kong when it was suddenly diverted to Brisbane Airport on Friday morning, landing at about 12.46pm.
The plane had got as far as Rockhampton before it made a dramatic U-turn back to the state capital four hours into the journey, according to flight data.
It is understood the cause of the diversion was a medical event on board.
'The flight departed Brisbane for Hong Kong a short time later,' Chief Safety and Risk Officer Nathan McGraw said in a statement.
'We appreciate our customers’ patience and understanding while we worked to get them on their way as soon as possible.'
More to come.
An Air New Zealand plane was made an emergency landing at Brisbane Airport (stock image)
The plane was flying near Rockhampton when it was forced to U-turn
The diversion was caused by a medical event (Pictured, crowds at Brisbane Airport)