A Virgin Australia flight from Adelaide to Hobart safely touched down this afternoon after the aircraft issued an urgent signal to air traffic control and entered a holding pattern before landing.
Flight VA1602 was observed circling in the air over greater Hobart after crew issued a “pan pan” call – an urgent situation that falls short of an immediate danger but requires priority attention from air traffic control.
The aircraft landed without incident following what Virgin Australia described as a “technical issue” that necessitated the holding manoeuvre prior to touching down.
Engineers are currently inspecting the aircraft in Hobart.
The incident led to the cancellation of flight VA1603 from Hobart to Adelaide this evening as maintenance crews work to address the technical problem.
The airline has not specified the exact nature of the issue that prompted the emergency procedure.
A Virgin Australia spokesperson told Pulse the safety of their guests and crew is their “top priority”, saying they appreciate their passengers’ understanding.
