National carrier SriLankan Airlines confirmed that flight UL 605 from Melbourne to Colombo made a safe return back to the Melbourne Airport shortly after taking off at 18:16hrs (Melbourne time) today due to a technical issue.

“All passengers onboard disembarked safely. A team of engineers is currently assessing the aircraft and providing technical support. All passengers have been provided with hotel accommodation until the flight is rescheduled for departure,” Sri Lankan Airlines said in a statement a short while ago.