A Virgin Australia flight was forced to make an emergency landing in Newcastle on Friday morning after a mid-air drama.

The flight, with 170 passengers and crew were on board, took off from Brisbane for Sydney at 10am but was diverted to the Williamtown RAAF base.

Initial reports suggested there was a fire on board the flight, but a Virgin Australia spokesperson told The New Daily the emergency was sparked by a warning light.

A “full investigation” will be launched by the airline into the incident.

“Virgin Australia flight VA938 from Brisbane to Sydney has landed safely after diverting to Newcastle Airport this afternoon following the activation of warning light in the cargo hold,” the spokesperson said.

“The aircraft landed safely and was met by emergency services as a precautionary measure.”

The airline made no comment on potential causes as to what triggered the warning light or what it signified.

Virgin said its Friday priority was to make sure “all guests” made it to their destination “as soon as possible”.

Passengers took to social media to say buses were being used to drive them to Sydney, with some complaining about the mode of transport.

“Apparently when you have 170 passengers to get to Sydney you cannot separate the buses up to make an airport bus, Town Hall bus etc,” wrote Helen Palsson.

apparently when you have 170 passengers to get to Sydney you can not seperate the buses up to make an airport bus, a town hall bus etc… Thankful for the safe landing in Newcastle after a #mayday call on#va938 but please give us buses by destination @VirginAustralia pic.twitter.com/lCBslnNxuf

— Helen Thura (@helenthura) February 1, 2019