Tiger Airways flight diverted over strange smell

Tiger Airways passengers on a Melbourne-to-Perth flight had to spend the night in Adelaide after the plane was forced to make a precautionary landing because of an unusual odour detected on board.

The pilots decided to divert the plane, with 171 people aboard, about 4.30pm yesterday due to a cabin odour described by the Herald Sun as an electrical burning smell.

An engineer assessed the aircraft and gave it the all-clear to return to Melbourne last night.

But passengers were stuck in Adelaide and given free accommodation.

Tiger Airways said those affected will be placed on other flights to Perth later today.

"Tigerair Australia apologises for any inconvenience to affected passengers, however safety is always our first priority and always comes before schedule," the airline said.