Plane heading to Adelaide returns to Sydney after mid-air scare

A flight from Sydney to Adelaide has been forced to turn back after there was a possible engineering issue and a medical episode on board.

The alarm was raised when an engineering issue arose on VA424 this afternoon.

A passenger on board said they were told it was a problem with one of the aircraft's engines.

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Crew on board tried to keep everyone calm as the plane circled back to Sydney about 3pm today.

An ambulance met the aircraft on the tarmac, after a woman onboard suffered a medical episode.

The woman in her 50s was having difficulty breathing and was rushed to the RPA for treatment.

Virgin Australia said the plane was being inspected by engineers and apologised.

"We are working to get everyone to Adelaide as soon as possible," the airline said.