A Qantas flight bound for New Zealand has been forced to turn back to Sydney shortly after take-off, following reports of smoke and fumes in the cabin. QF163 departed Sydney about 6.40pm yesterday heading for Wellington,

A Qantas flight from Sydney to Wellington, New Zealand has had to turn back due to a strange smell being noticed onboard.

The Qantas flight bound for New Zealand, QF163, had a smooth take-off from Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport at about 6.45pm on Wednesday, but then things took an unexpected turn

Qantas flight bound for New Zealand turns back to Sydney, following reports of smoke and fumes. Grieving families forced to change funeral arrangements after cemetery chapel in Perth was targeted in alleged arson attack.

A Qantas spokesperson said the airline made a “priority one” landing. “A flight from Sydney to Wellington returned to Sydney after reports of an unusual smell in the cabin,” she said. ”The aircraft landed safely and will be checked by engineers before returning to service.

The plane with 144 people aboard made a priority landing in Sydney, with one crew member receiving medical attention.