Manila: A Saudia Airlines flight destined for Saudi Arabia was forced to return to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) roughly an hour after takeoff due to a technical issue, authorities confirmed.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) reported that flight SVA 871 departed NAIA at 11:52 p.m. on Wednesday. The Manila Area Control Center received a notification at 12:51 a.m. on Thursday that the flight was returning due to a malfunction in the weather radar system.

The aircraft, carrying 263 passengers, landed safely at NAIA at 1:25 a.m. It is currently stationed at the Terminal 1 remote parking area as of Thursday afternoon.

CAAP stated that it is working closely with the airline and relevant aviation authorities to ensure public safety and maintain operational readiness.