Police quiz Hackett over airline assault

Australian swimmer Grant Hackett has reportedly been taken into custody by police after an altercation on a flight.

Radio host Ray Hadley told 2GB radio the swimmer, 35, was questioned by police in Melbourne this morning after flying home from a function in Adelaide.

Virgin Australia has confirmed an incident had occurred on one of its flights this morning but could not say whether Hackett was involved.

"We can confirm there was an incident on board a Virgin Australia flight from Adelaide to Melbourne this morning," a Virgin spokesperson said.

"The matter is now in the hands of Australian Federal Police.

"Our of respect of the privacy of our passengers and cabin crew it would be inappropriate to comment any further details."

Hackett last week failed in his comeback bid qualify for the Australian team for the Rio Olympics.

The three-time Olympic gold medallist was hoping to make the 4 x 200m relay team for what would have been his fourth Olympic Games.