Sydney-bound flight makes emergency landing over warning light in cockpit

A plane bound for Sydney has had to make an emergency landing after an on-board a warning light lit up in the cockpit.

Etihad flight EY450 made an emergency landing at Adelaide Airport at 5am today "following a warning indication received within the cockpit", a spokesperson for the airline told 9news.com.au.

The flight, which had come from Abu Dabi, was supposed to land in Sydney at 6.30am today before it was diverted.

Photos from the scene show passengers standing on the tarmac after disembarking.

Etihad said passengers are being kept informed of updates and the plane is being inspected. 

"Etihad Airways flight EY450, from Abu Dhabi to Sydney, has diverted to Adelaide Airport .

"The aircraft landed at 5am (local time) and will now be inspected by engineers and ground crew," the spokesperson said.

"Guests on the flight are being updated and more information will be given as it becomes available.

"Etihad Airways apologises for the inconvenience. The safety of our guests and crew is of paramount importance."

It’s unclear why the alarm went off or if smoke was actually seen inside the cabin.