Qantas flight forced to make emergency return to Australia

A Qantas passenger jet bound for the United States was forced to turn back to Australia due to a mid-air passenger health emergency.

Flight QF7 was about four hours into its journey from Sydney to Dallas yesterday when an onboard medical incident force the plane to divert near Fiji.

With the aircraft carrying too much fuel to land in Fiji, the pilots chose to return to Sydney so the passenger could receive further medical treatment and where Qantas has more resources.

LIVE UPDATES: Trump threatens Iran with 'hell' in expletive-laden post

After changing course back to Sydney airport, the jet had to dump fuel at high altitude.

Among the passengers was Australian Olympic diver Sam Fricker who shared footage of the mid-air release of aviation fuel.

"Four hours into our flight from Sydney to Texas, there was a medical emergency on board and we had to turn around and head straight back home," Fricker wrote on Instagram.

"We've now got a couple of hours before we try again and make another run at getting to America to compete.

"Really hoping the person who had the medical emergency is okay and getting the care they need."

READ MORE: Farmers' food warning as they're forced to abandon paddocks due to lack of fuel

"It's sad to see them dumping fuel, we're over the ocean," Fricker said.

"It's also a tough time for fuel so I can't imagine how expensive this must be for them.

"It just goes to show the cost of human life is priceless, so if they can save their life, it's worth it."

The Iran war has disrupted global oil supplies of oil, with the price of aviation fuel soaring for airlines.

The rescheduled Dallas flight with a new crew departed Sydney around 9.25pm.

Qantas said safety was the airline's number one priority and it thanked customers on the flight for their patience and understanding.

NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.

• Download the 9NEWS App here via Apple and Google Play
• Make 9News your preferred source on Google by ticking this box here
• Sign up to our breaking newsletter here

from 9News https://ift.tt/Kun7lfv
via IFTTT