Bird strike forces Virgin flight to make emergency landing

A Virgin aircraft leaving from Melbourne has been forced to land after it struck a bird during take-off.

Authorities were notified of the aircraft in difficulty just after 9.30am today.

Flight VA319, which was headed for Brisbane, landed safely a short time ago.

Virgin Australia said the pilot decided to return and operated within standard procedures. 

"We are working to have all affected passengers on their way to Brisbane as soon as possible," the airline said in a statement to 9news.com.au. 

No one was injured.

The plane is now being inspected by engineers.