Virgin Australia Boeing B737-800 VH-BZG - Mackay to Brisbane Flight - Diverts to Rockhampton Airport with "Smoke in the Cabin"

In the early afternoon on Sunday 21 May, we broke the story on our Facebook page of a Virgin Australia flight from Mackay to Brisbane diverting to Rockhampton Airport with what the captain reported was "Smoke in the cabin".

The affected flight was the VOZ610 service which was being operated by Boeing B737-800 VH-BZG.  As shown, the flight was South-West of Gladstone when the captain elected to turn back and land at Rockhampton Airport.

VH-BZG landed without incident and was parked on the southern end of the Rocky Airport parking apron. It was followed to the gate by local the Aviation Rescue Fire Service and shortly after parking, an ambulance was seen arriving at the plane.

The Queensland Ambulance Service reported that they treated cabin crew after they inhaled gas-like fumes but that they did not need to transport anyone from Rockhampton Airport.

After departing for a short time, ambulance crews were again seen to arrive on scene at Rockhampton Airport with presumably with more crew and / or passenger requiring attention.

In the early evening on Sunday 21 May, it was noted that a Virgin Australia from Cairns to Brisbane diverted into Rockhampton Airport to transport affected passengers from the diversion to Brisbane.  The flight was VOZ786 and was operated by fellow Boeing B737-800 VH-VUR.

Later still on Sunday 21 May, the diverted aircraft, VH-BZG, was noted departing Rockhampton Airport on a re-positioning flight back to Brisbane as VOZ9910.

Thanks to local plane spotter Scott Harris his great coverage of this incident!

Photos taken by Scott Harris  ©