A Virgin Australia flight has been forced to return to Melbourne Airport after hitting a bird.
The airline said Virgin flight VA319 had taken off for Brisbane on Friday morning when the pilot reported the problem.
"Upon suspecting a bird strike the pilot decided to return to Melbourne Airport," the airline said in a statement.
The decision to return was "in line with standard operating procedures".
The plane landed safely and the airline apologised to the passengers who were inconvenienced.
"The safety of our guests and crews is always our highest priority," the airline said.
