Jetstar flight to Phuket returns to Sydney after wheel damage
A Jetstar flight bound for the sunny shores of Phuket took an unexpected detour back to Sydney after a mechanical mishap forced pilots to prioritise safety. The JQ27 flight landed safely at Sydney Airport on Wednesday afternoon, November 27, following reports of a damaged wheel during take-off.
Jetstar’s spokesperson assured passengers the situation was handled expertly.
“Our flight from Sydney to Phuket landed normally this afternoon after returning to Sydney due to a mechanical issue.”
Emergency services met the plane as a precaution after the pilots requested a priority landing.
The flight, which took off around 3.20pm, touched back down just before 5pm. The unexpected return caused Sydney’s main runway to close for 30 minutes, prompting quick action from airport staff.
“A runway inspection was conducted, and the aircraft was towed to a gate. Normal operations have resumed but there may be some delays throughout the evening.”
Passengers were encouraged to stay updated via the airport’s website or their airlines as minor disruptions rippled across the schedule.
Jetstar engineers are now investigating what caused the wheel damage, one of the plane’s 10 tyres, to fail during take-off. The airline’s swift response and the safe landing ensured no injuries or further incidents.
While some passengers may have swapped sandy beaches for a surprise layover, the quick-thinking crew turned a potential disaster into a smooth landing. Sydney Airport thanked travellers for their patience as operations returned to normal, reported NT News.
For now, Jetstar’s maintenance team has their work cut out ensuring this unexpected pit stop doesn’t repeat itself. Meanwhile, passengers may want to double-check their travel insurance.
In related news, over 100 passengers on an Air India flight to New Delhi found themselves stranded in Phuket for over 80 hours, enduring a string of delays due to persistent technical issues with their aircraft.
