A Real Tonga Jetstream aircraft made a full emergency landing at Tonga's Fua'amotu Domestic Airport this morning, after an engine died during the flight between Vava'u and Tongatapu.

Tevita Palu the CEO of Tonga's domestic airline Real Tonga confirmed that the pilot of the Jetstream J32 flight from Vava'u to Tongatapu this morning had required the emergency landing. “One flight came back with had an abnormal situation on the flight and the pilot communicated that action was required,” he said. “It continued on to Tongatapu aand had no problem landing.”

Tevita could not confirm if it was a full flight or how many passengers were on board. He said he would be making a more detailed press statement within about half an hour. Real Tonga  has operated the 15-seater Jetstream for six months.

Meanwhile, the Rescue Fire Service at Fua'amotu Airport has confirmed that the plane had landed safely after one of the engines died. It was a full emergency landing.

He could not confirm how far away from Tongatapu the aircraft was when the incident happened.

Tonga's Ministry of Infrastructure is expected to make a statement at 2:00pm regarding the emergency landing.